10 Working from Home Wellbeing Ideas
Working from home wellbeing ideas are at the forefront of discussions in today’s remote working conversation.
As many of us shift from traditional office settings to our home desks, it’s paramount to prioritise our mental and physical health.
As a company who deliver employee wellbeing services we decided to put together a list of wellbeing ideas individuals can incorporate working from home.
This blog offers practical insights to ensure you maintain peak performance and overall happiness, even outside the conventional workspace.
Contents
The Importance of Wellbeing While Working from Home
The Challenges Supporting Wellbeing While Working from Home
10 Working from Home Wellbeing Ideas
The Importance of Wellbeing While Working from Home
Working from home offers a lots of benefits, from avoiding daily commutes to enjoying the comfort of our personal space.
However, this new work setup also brings unique challenges that can impact our wellbeing.
Ensuring our mental and physical health is in top shape isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about sustaining our productivity, creativity, and motivation.
When we’re in an office, the boundaries between work and personal time are clear.
At home, these lines can blur, leading to extended work hours and reduced time for self-care.
Moreover, the lack of face-to-face interactions can lead to feelings of isolation, making it even more vital to prioritise our emotional health.
Looking after your wellbeing while working from home also plays a crucial role in preventing burnout.
Continuous work without adequate breaks or relaxation can lead to fatigue, decreased job satisfaction, and even health issues.
By recognising the importance of our wellbeing, we can implement strategies to balance work demands with personal needs, leading to a healthier, happier, and more productive work-from-home experience.
The Challenges Supporting Wellbeing While Working from Home
While working from home offers flexibility and convenience, it also presents a unique set of challenges that can impact our overall wellbeing.
Understanding these challenges is the first step towards addressing them effectively.
Lack of Physical Boundaries
In an office, there’s a clear distinction between work and personal spaces.
At home, this line often gets blurred.
Your dining table might double as your office desk, making it hard to mentally “switch off” from work mode.
Isolation and Loneliness
The absence of daily interactions with colleagues can lead to feelings of isolation.
Casual coffee breaks, team lunches, and even simple hallway conversations are often missed, leading to a sense of disconnection.
Distractions and Interruptions
Home environments are filled with potential distractions, from household chores to family members or pets needing attention.
These constant interruptions can disrupt focus and reduce productivity.
Overworking and Burnout
Without the routine of starting and ending the workday, it’s easy to lose track of time and end up working longer hours.
This can quickly lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.
Physical Health Concerns
Lack of movement, prolonged sitting, and not having an ergonomically designed workspace can lead to physical health issues like back pain, eye strain, and other discomforts.
Mental Health Strains
The combination of isolation, the stress of juggling work and home responsibilities, and the lack of clear work-life boundaries can contribute to increased anxiety, stress, and other mental health challenges.
Recognising these challenges is crucial.
Only by understanding them can we begin to develop strategies and routines that support our wellbeing while working from home.
10 Working from Home Wellbeing Ideas
Here are some ideas to implement while working from home to support your wellbeing:
1. Establish a Dedicated Workspace
Having a specific area in your home designated for work can make a world of difference.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a separate home office, but rather a consistent space where you can focus.
This could be a corner of your living room, a specific spot at your dining table, or even a quiet balcony area.
Why it’s beneficial: A dedicated workspace helps mentally separate work from leisure.
Every time you sit in this space, your brain recognises it as “work time,” helping you get into the zone faster.
Tips: Personalise your workspace with items that inspire productivity, such as plants, motivational quotes, or ergonomic furniture.
Ensure good lighting to reduce eye strain and keep essential tools and supplies within arm’s reach.
Why not check out our blog “10 Ways to Increase Productivity Working From Home” for productivity tips
2. Stick to a Routine
While working from home offers flexibility, maintaining a routine can help structure your day and boost productivity.
This means setting a regular wake-up time, getting dressed (even if it’s just into comfortable home clothes), and having set start and finish times for work.
Why it’s beneficial: A routine provides a sense of normalcy and predictability in an otherwise fluid environment.
It also ensures that you allocate time for breaks, meals, and relaxation.
Tips: Start your day with a morning ritual, whether it’s a quick workout, meditation, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee.
Schedule breaks and stick to them.
At the end of your workday, have a wind-down routine to signal to your brain that it’s time to relax.
3. Take Regular Breaks
It’s easy to get engrossed in work and forget to take breaks, especially when there’s no colleague inviting you for a quick coffee chat.
However, breaks are essential to refresh your mind and prevent burnout.
Why it’s beneficial: Short, frequent breaks can improve concentration, reduce fatigue, prevent physical strain, and look after your wellbeing.
Tips: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.
During breaks, stretch, take a short walk, or do something you enjoy to truly disconnect from work.
4. Stay Socially Connected
Working from home can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re used to a bustling office environment.
Making an effort to stay connected with colleagues and friends is crucial for mental wellbeing.
Why it’s beneficial: Social interactions, even virtual ones, can boost mood, foster a sense of belonging, and reduce feelings of isolation.
Tips: Schedule regular video calls or check-ins with teammates.
Join virtual team-building activities or online groups related to your interests.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and chat with a colleague, just as you would in an office setting.
Why not check out our blog “Self-care Activities for Team Meetings“
5. Prioritise Physical Activity
One of the challenges of working from home is the potential decrease in physical movement.
Without the commute, walks to meetings, or even strolls to the coffee machine, our activity levels can drop.
Incorporating working from home wellbeing ideas like dedicated exercise time is essential.
Why it’s beneficial: Regular physical activity boosts mood, improves concentration, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Tips: Schedule short exercise breaks throughout the day.
This could be a quick 10-minute home workout, yoga stretches, or even dancing to your favourite song.
If possible, take walks outside to get fresh air and a change of scenery.
Why not check out our blog on “How to Encourage Physical Activity at Work”
6. Mind Your Diet
When the kitchen is just a few steps away, it’s tempting to snack frequently or opt for quick, unhealthy meals.
However, a balanced diet plays a significant role in our overall wellbeing, especially when working from home.
Why it’s beneficial: Eating nutritious meals and snacks can provide sustained energy, improve cognitive function, and boost our immune system.
Tips: Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure a balanced intake.
Keep healthy snacks, like fruits or nuts, within reach and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks, as they can lead to energy crashes.
7. Set Clear Boundaries
Working from home can often blur the lines between professional and personal life.
It’s essential to establish clear boundaries to ensure you have time to recharge and focus on personal wellbeing.
Why it’s beneficial: Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout, ensures quality time with loved ones, and allows for essential self-care activities.
Tips: Have a set start and end time for your workday.
Inform family members or housemates of your work hours to minimise interruptions.
Once you’re done for the day, physically shut down your workspace, signalling the end of work and the beginning of personal time.
8. Invest in Ergonomic Furniture
When considering working from home wellbeing ideas, it’s easy to overlook the physical setup.
However, the right furniture can make a significant difference in your comfort and health.
Why it’s beneficial: Ergonomic furniture supports proper posture, reduces the risk of musculoskeletal problems, and enhances productivity.
Tips: If possible, invest in an adjustable chair that supports the natural curve of your spine.
Ensure your computer screen is at eye level to avoid neck strain. Use props like books or boxes if you don’t have adjustable furniture to achieve the right height.
9. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Amidst the hustle and bustle of work tasks, taking a moment to centre oneself can be incredibly beneficial.
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools to enhance mental clarity and reduce stress, making them valuable additions to any working from home wellbeing strategy.
Why it’s beneficial: Mindfulness practices can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and foster a sense of calm amidst chaos.
Tips: Dedicate a few minutes each day for mindfulness exercises.
This could be deep breathing, guided meditation, or simply being present in the moment.
There are numerous apps and online resources available to guide beginners.
10. Seek Support When Needed
It’s essential to recognise that everyone has limits.
If you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or face persistent challenges while working from home, it’s okay to seek support, whether from colleagues, supervisors, or professionals.
Why it’s beneficial: Seeking support early can prevent more significant issues down the line, ensuring your mental and emotional wellbeing remains intact.
Tips: Regularly check in with yourself to assess how you’re feeling.
If you notice persistent feelings of stress, anxiety, or burnout, reach out for support.
Many organisations offer employee assistance programs or resources to support remote workers.
With these 10 working from home wellbeing ideas, you’re equipped to navigate the challenges of remote work while prioritising your health and happiness.
Remember, it’s a journey, and small, consistent steps can lead to significant positive changes over time.
The shift to working from home has reshaped the way we approach our professional lives, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
Prioritising our wellbeing is a necessity for sustained productivity, creativity, and overall happiness.
By implementing these working from home wellbeing ideas, we can create a balanced, fulfilling, and healthy work environment, no matter where we are.
Remember, your wellbeing is an investment, not just in your work but in your life as a whole.
Embrace these practices, and watch as they transform not only your workdays but also your overall quality of life.
Author
Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker
BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation
