THE COVID-19 CHRONICLES : How to efficiently work from home

As we all begin to settle into our new reality for the next few weeks, for some, this brings on a new challenge of trying to work from home during these difficult times. Whether it’s the constant distractions, the old chair that’s on its last leg, or the fact you can’t seem to find the perfect place for the laptop to go, working from home can be stressful and if not managed correctly can be detrimental to both our mental and physical well-beings.

However, working from home does have its benefits… Not only are there no longer the rage infused commutes to and from work, but now you have a few weeks without Susan using your personal coffee mug for the 12th time.

Whichever way you see it, we have some helpful tips to make this time that much easier for you.

1. Choose An Effective And Efficient Workspace

Your work area should be far from any distractions or comfort. So for those of you that are able, try set up in a room that is away from your bed as well as the TV. We also want to try limit bedrooms to a place where you rest and not work, trying to work in an area associated with rest may hamper your productivity. Treat the working space as your office to increase your output and concentration.

2. Choose The Right Chair

Unless you managed to sneak your office chair (the one with all the back support) home with you, it is important to choose a chair that is both comfortable and supportive. You’ll be spending the majority of your time sitting on this chair, working.

A chair that lacks support is a sure way to land yourself in a Chiropractic practice in the future. If the chair does not support the right alignment to your back, your spine will require effort to hold your natural curve in shape. A good chair, at the right height, will be your saviour from intolerable back pain and benefit you in the long run.

3. Movement Is Medicine

We all know that sitting is the new smoking right? Prolonged sitting can cause unnecessary stress to the body or joints and can create instability, muscle tightness, nerve irritation, and inevitably, pain.

Short breaks after every hour is key to help ease the pressure on the lower back and to get the joints moving, it will also assist in relieving stress and helping refocus. The key is to find an effective balance between these actions to keep your body and mind refreshed.

Your physical condition should be your priority no matter how much of a workaholic you are. Choose a convenient hour or time to devote to workouts and physical activities. If necessary, schedule your workouts as you do your meetings, this will help you avoid the “I don’t have time” excuses. Exercise will help you burn all that pent up energy and will surprisingly leave you feeling refreshed.

4. Work Normal Hours

Remember you are working from home, which means you need to find a good balance between working and down time. This may be difficult at times, but for your own sanity, end your work day at a reasonable hour (we would suggest 5pm like a normal day). Track your hours if you have to and keep yourself accountable. Don’t let work bleed over into your personal time, or vice versa. Avoid working on weekends if you can, as this is the time you give yourself to

decompress and connect with your family.

5. Lunch Breaks

The temptation is amplified knowing your fridge is just around the corner, but try keep a eating routine and keep the kitchen stocked with healthy snacks and meals. It can be easy to wander into the kitchen when you know it’s packed with treats, so keep temptation at bay during the day and keep the treats for after work.

6. No Time Like The Present

Working from home will bring with it a whole new list of obstacles but with them, will come unexpected rewards. You can listen to your own music, play with your dog and finally catch up on sleep.

tNow that you’re not commuting, you’ve got extra time in the mornings to start your day on the right foot. This could start with getting some good morning light. A 2019 study found that exposure to morning sunlight results in greater alertness. Morning light exposure can also lead to better sleep, which can have a cascade effect on mood the next day. According to a 2017 study published in the journal Sleep Health, people who are exposed to sunlight in the morning sleep better at night and feel less stressed and depressed than people who don’t get access to morning sunlight.

Most importantly, with everything going on it puts into perspective what is important in life. Use this time and spend it with those most important with you. Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them, play during breaks, and just be present... As you may not get another chance to spend as much time with them as you do now.

Stay safe and stay home.