Focusing on you this August Wellness Month
Working from home can often mean we get so busy and focused, we forget about our personal health and wellness. This August is Wellness Awareness Month – and after months of remote working, home-schooling and the stress of COVID-19, the Merlin team has put together our top tips for self-care and wellness. We hope you’ll find it helpful.
1 Commit to a consistent sleep schedule
A good night’s sleep is just as important as healthy eating and frequent exercise. It is essential for proper brain function and can help improve concentration and productivity. This is especially helpful when faced with multiple distractions and demands that come with working from home.
Create a simple schedule that ensures you’re not on late-night conference calls after working a full day. And make sure you don’t binge-watch that Netflix series into the early morning just because you don’t have to commute to work!
2 Get dressed
Taking a shower, selecting an outfit, and brushing your hair will all contribute to your wellness and productivity levels as it gives your brain the perception, you’re in work mode.
Creating a sense of structure to your day and having a routine means you won’t lose track of time. Once you’ve completed your workday, change out of your work clothes and into casual clothes. This is equally as important and an excellent, positive contribution to your mental health.
3 Change of scenery
Working, eating, relaxing, and sleeping in one place within your home can affect your productivity as your brain can confuse environments. This could lead to you becoming inefficient. By regularly changing your situation, you’re transitioning your mind from working into perhaps relaxing. It means having your morning cup of coffee in the garden or eating lunch in the kitchen and not at your desk.
4 Create a specific workspace
You might say that wherever your laptop is, your workspace is. While true, having a designated workspace means you’re increasing your productivity and performance levels as well as your wellness and well–being.
Where possible, have a dedicated workspace, where you are less likely to be distracted and disrupted. It’s probably not a good idea to set up your desk near a TV or in the kitchen where you’ll be tempted to visit the fridge more often than you need!
5 Take a break!
Did you know that by continually sitting and working at your computer you’re more likely to suffer from tension across your back, neck shoulder and arms? This is not good for your physical health as the pressure can lead to headaches and backache. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs and arms, and rest your eyes, before diving into it again.
6 Have a nutritious meal
Proper nutrition improves your personal wellbeing, giving you the energy to complete your workday. It’s tempting just to grab the odd snack during the day rather than taking a break to make a proper lunch. But, while it’s more comfortable and convenient to fill up on snacks, make sure they are healthy and not that packet of crisps or biscuits.
Commit to preparing your lunch the previous evening, or in the morning before you begin work. You are more likely to make a healthy choice when you have time.
7 Create a workout/relaxation routine
Exercise is a great way to prepare for a busy day or wind down after work, especially if you are working from home. Subject to your restrictions, this could mean leaving the house for a 20-minute jog or getting out the yoga mat to follow a class online.
It is important to relax as it reduces the levels of stress hormones and muscle tension. It can also provide you with a fresh perspective to a particular problem.
We have more suggestions for your physical wellness in our fifth newsletter. Let us know if you’d like a copy by emailing info@quickmerlin.com or complete the contact form.
Self-care is essential and should not be dismissed and ignored. And it is your responsibility to make sure you allocate time, set appropriate boundaries and create routines. You’ll be pleased you did.
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