I’ve been working from home since 2013 when I started working in games. The benefits have always been clear to me, but it’s easy to fall into a routine that’s unhealthy both physically and mentally. It’s easy to get lazy and start to feel gross about yourself. Here are a few things I’ve picked up along the way to help me stay sharp and feeling good.
Shower early in the day
It’s easy to wake up and just start working. I do this even to this day. But I found myself in a routine where I wasn’t showering until the evening, or even close to bed. For me, this made me feel rather blah all day. Shower early, friends, because it’ll put you in a positive frame of mind. You’re clean, and it signifies the beginning of the day. You feel like a functioning adult.
Eat breakfast
For a long time, I was surviving most of the day on coffee, barely eating until the end of my work day and close to supper time. If you want a deep explanation of why this is bad, Google it. We all know it’s bad. I started prioritizing breakfast after I bought a toaster oven, and it’s really helped me get a handle on my day and kickstart things properly.
Get fresh air every single day
There have been stretches where I barely go outside, especially during the pandemic. When I finally do, it’s like I’m discovering fresh air for the first time. Even if you just go outside and sit for five minutes, get out there and breathe in that fresh air. Let it fill your lungs and clear your mind. This does wonders for your mental – and probably physical – health.
Unplug from the home office
Some people just don’t have this option, so I consider myself lucky. My office is on the top level of my home and has a door, so I make sure that I leave it, close the door, and go to an entirely different part of the house every day. It’s like leaving the office for me, and it makes you feel like the workday has an end, which can be something missing for folks new to working from home.
Eliminate distractions
This isn’t for your boss, it’s for you. If you eliminate distractions and focus directly on the task at hand, you can finish that task in a reasonable amount of time and move on. If you let everything interrupt your day, you’ll find that you’ve constantly got six things on the go and you’ll quickly become overwhelmed. Sit down, get that thing done, then take a quick break and move on to the next.
Now, I realize that, for many, this isn’t all possible. Some of you have kids at home right now and you’re just struggling to keep it together. You’re a champion. My tips might not work for you, but you’re a smart person and you know yourself, so think about what you can do for you. Prioritize your health while working from home.
