productivity

Stay in Shape While Working from Home

If you’ve just started working from home, you may have noticed the ways your daily routine has changed. With no commute and no opportunity to walk to the watercooler, you may be tempted to remain at your desk for hours on end. However, living a sedentary lifestyle will have negative effects both on your physical health and the quality of your work.

Lucy Lyle, entrepreneur and founder of Perch, comments, “Working from home is actually a perfect opportunity for employees who want to exercise more because of the flexible work schedule. It’s easy to break a sweat daily for 30 minutes to an hour before you start working.” Lucy Lyle continued, “There’s a lot of data about the benefits of exercise for your work productivity. It makes you more alert, creative, and relaxed, which will significantly benefit the quality of your work.”

Medical studies have illustrated the benefits of exercise on cognitive performance, improving essential mental functions for work such as working memory. Exercise is also highly effective at improving your mood, which helps mitigate the stress that can distract you from performing your best, whether you’re working from home or the office.

Lucy Lyle also added, “You don’t have to spend exorbitant amounts of money on exercise equipment to get in shape. Whether you want to start with some stretching, planks, or push-ups, find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Be careful not to push yourself too hard, though. You don’t want to feel completely exhausted before starting your work for the day.”

Also, be sure to take standing breaks if you sit at a desk for long hours. Sitting for too long is unhealthy because of the way it hinders your digestion and circulation. Purchasing a standing desk may also be helpful.