Working From Home: How To Be Healthy And Happy

Are You Getting Enough Exercise?

Some at-home jobs are more active than others, but many of those who work from home are going to be doing computer-based jobs. These people face the same difficulties that others who sit around most of the day face, with the addition that they don't even need to travel to get to work.

Remember that routine we mentioned? Starting the day by going for a jog outside is one wonderful item to incorporate into your daily to-do list! It will get your heart beating faster, give you fresh air, and offer some of that much-needed vitamin D. Those who have a garden or a public park nearby can exercise there as well. Try SteadyHealth's "Ab workouts for men and women" app for your mobile device, or do some yoga. 

Don't limit your physical activity to the morning, though. Take regular breaks and do stretching exercises, run in place, or get a training bike to let off some steam while you are brainstorming. 

Social Interaction And Change Of Scenery 

Don't want to lose your mind while you're working? Besides regular exercise, your organism craves interaction with other humans as well as seeing something other than the same four walls. Social interaction and going places are basic needs we all have. There's a reason going to prison is a punishment. It makes the criminal's life monotonous and strips it of any excitement. Don't turn your life into a prison because you're working from home. Get together with friends often, and do things that excite you. 

Because your home is also your workplace, you can't see it as the only place in which you relax. Instead of snuggling up on the couch with your partner and having a nice meal at home, go out for dinner and see a movie — or whatever works for you, as long as it gets you out the house every single day. 

Having an active social life and not being stuck at home all the time isn't just good for you. It is essential for the quality of your work as well. Unless you are paid to click on ads or something equally mindless, your job relies on you being at least a little creative. Not being a hermit ensures you can do that.

Screen-Free Time

Most people have too much screen time these days. Those who work at home are likely to get much more. You might have Skype conferences or communicate with your co-workers by email, and you probably use the computer to work. Does that sound familiar? Please remember to turn the computer off when you are done working — so you can have that active social life we talked about. Want to relax? Reading a book, having a long bath or doing your garden is much better than staring at a screen. 

See Also: Ten Healthy Herbs To Grow At Home

Oh, that also means you need to know when you're done working. And that is where that routine comes in handy again. At a minimum, set approximate working hours for yourself and remember to think of your home as your home and not your workplace when you are finished for the day.