Working from Home? Here are 6 Tips to Stay Sane and Healthy

The daily number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines is rising, with the country hitting the 50,000 mark in July 2020. Different parts of the country are under strict or modified lockdowns, and most businesses aren’t allowed to open or operate in full capacity.

Many working professionals have felt the virus’s impact in their lives, most notably in the transition from an office-based job to a remote one at home. If you used to go out all the time before the pandemic hit, then staying at home must’ve been a pretty big adjustment.

Even those who have already been in the remote work scene for a long time have had trouble navigating work-life balance due to the strict stay-at-home mandates.

The constant negativity from news sources and social media only adds to the stress everyone is feeling. So, if you’ve been having trouble with working from home lately, you might appreciate these simple steps in staying healthy and sane.

1. Get dressed for work
   
   One of the joys of working from home is the fact that you can be comfortable in your pajamas while accomplishing a very important task. However, this can make it more difficult to place you in the right headspace for productivity.
   
   Getting dressed for work is like training yourself that you need to get your thinking hat on so you can go through the day’s tasks. This is also a part of creating work-life boundaries. It’s easy for multiple roles to overlap at home. You’re not just a working professional, but maybe you’re a parent, spouse, or sibling too.
   
   This simple practice can help you set hard and fast rules on when you can do your work to separate it from your other responsibilities at home. At the end of the day, all that’s left to do will be to unwind.
   
   
2. Take up a new hobby
   
   You’re under no pressure to do this, but if you feel like learning or trying something new, go right ahead. Fill your time with other things besides working or doing household responsibilities and transform your home into a space where you can relax, too.
   
   Maybe you just want to watch a couple of TV shows or movies or join the bandwagon of taking care of plants. Go ahead and do it! (Plus, did you know that taking care of plants is one way to boost your mental health, too?)
   
   
3. Plan for your future
   
   The pandemic has forced a lot of people to rethink the way they lead their lives. Some have taken more steps in ensuring their family’s safety, like opting for health insurance, while others have started small business ventures to add to their household income.
   
   If you haven’t had the time to reset and plan out your future, now is the time. Your safety, as well as your family’s, should be your number one priority, and inquiring about health insurance in the Philippines should be one of the first few things in your agenda.
   
   
4. Take real breaks
   
   When you’re at home, the days seem to bleed into each other, and it gets difficult to have a sense of time. All remote workers who are months-long into this setup can probably relate. One way you can combat virtual fatigue is to step away from the computer when you’re taking a break.
   
   Instead of eating in front of your laptop, sit in a different area of the house and log off from work and social media. Have face-to-face conversations with your family, or perhaps read a book to get your mind off of things. Or, you can take a nap, too. It’s up to you—just cherish your breaks.
   
   
5. Get up and get moving
   
   If you used to go to the office, your commute to and from home incorporated physical activity in your routine. Now, that isn’t the case.
   
   Your body isn’t probably used to sitting around all day, no matter how comfortable that sounds like. Prolonged hours of sitting is bad for your health. So, try to combat this by engaging in different exercises you can do at home, such as yoga, circuit training, Zumba, or even indoor cycling. There are lots of free workouts you can learn on YouTube—all you have to do is maybe find a buddy and start!
   
   RELATED: 10 Gym Alternatives for Busy Parents Who Want to Be Fit/Healthy in 2020
   
   
6. Create (and follow) a routine
   
   Flexibility is a perk of working from home, but if you’re having trouble managing your time and responsibilities, it may be better to draft a daily schedule and write out your to-do list to hit everything you need to do for the day.
   
   Not only does this add structure, but it also conditions your mind that you work, eat, and take breaks during certain times. Try to follow them religiously so you can develop a healthier habit at home.

Care for Your Health

Staying home is what’s best for everyone right now, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll stay mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. Take concrete steps to look out for yourself, such as investing in health insurance today.

If you want to know which product works for you, you can quickly get in touch with any of our BPI Bancassurance Sales Executives online to learn more. Stay safe!