5 tips for staying healthy and productive when working from home

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all adjusted to living different lifestyles to what we know. One of these adjustments has been working from home.

For some, it can be a challenging time, particularly being apart from colleagues and collaborative work environments. It can often feel isolating when we are relying on technology to keep us together and keep the wheels of work in motion.

We have put together a few tips that can help you stay productive, as well as support your mental and emotional wellbeing whilst working from home:

1. Create a work schedule

In order to stay goal oriented and motivated we recommend treating your work day like a regular day in the office. Setting yourself realistic hours for each project or task can be extremely useful so you remain on track with what you need to tick off each day.

Give yourself breaks for a tea or coffee, and why not set up a Teams or Zoom lunch break with a work friend. This will help you feel more connected to your team.

2. Start your day off on the right foot

Follow your usual morning rituals when getting ready for your work day. Have a nutritious breakfast, shower and get dressed.

If you have time, going for a quick walk will help mentally prepare you for the day ahead and give you an energy boost.

Note: turning up to a video conference call in your pyjamas isn’t a good look.

3. Maintain a healthy work environment

Keep your desk area tidy and ensure you have a comfortable chair. Ensure your laptop is at appropriate eye level and you have adequate lighting.

If you have any concerns about your home work environment, speak to your WHS manager who can help you arrange your work station.

4. Stay connected with your manager and colleagues

Each morning, it is a good idea to connect with your manager and colleagues. Remaining connected throughout the day will help you feel supported and assist with staying on track with deadlines.

Being a strong remote team will allow you to still achieve the same goals as if you were all in the office.

5. Drink plenty of water and eat well

Always keep a water bottle on your desk. Be organised with your snacks and lunch by stocking up your home with nutritious foods.

Drink continuously throughout the day and get up regularly to stretch or get some sunshine. Try not to eat at your workstation if you can avoid it, as it can lead to burnout.

As we continue to navigate this new way of socialising and working, we all need to remember that reaching out to your work colleagues is more important than ever to stay connected and remain team focused. Reach out to your friends, family, a co-worker or support services if you ever need help.

We are all in this together and can still achieve big things if we look after ourselves and others around us.