Working from home? Try out our wellbeing tips
The amazing thing about creating workspaces is that so many of the learnings we apply aren’t just confined to office buildings. As many of us are now adjusting to new working conditions in the comfort of our own homes, we feel it is important to take the little steps that help to improve your environment, productivity and wellbeing.
Check out some of our tips below:
TAKE A STAND
Whether you’re working from an armchair, the kitchen table or a desk at home – it’s important to switch up your position. If it’s possible, move your laptop to an area where you can stand for a while, or simply ensure you are standing up and going for a short walk regularly throughout the day.
Adjusting your workstation can improve work productivity, quality and efficiency. Did you know, standing at work adds up to about 50 calories an hour. If you stand for three hours a day for five days that’s around 750 calories burnt!
BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT
When we design our workspaces, we install environmental multi-sensors which monitor C02 levels, pollution and general air quality, if a room’s C02 levels rise above 800ppm – the point where it affects employees’ wellbeing and productivity – extra air is provided for low occupancy areas to replenish and clean the air and reduce pollution.
When working from home, to maintain efficiency it’s important to make sure you’re getting plenty of fresh air and daylight in your new environment. Regularly open a window to allow air to circulate or pop out for a lunchtime stroll if you are able to.
STICK TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Don’t stay in your pyjamas! From your precious pyjamas to your comfy casual-wear. Where possible, you should aim to improve your work-life balance. You may simply be heading to your living room, but you’re still going to work.
Rather than sleeping in late, or not fulfilling your breaks, fill the time by exercising, preparing a healthy lunch/breakfast, or getting some life admin tasks out of the way. How is that clutter cupboard looking? Bursting at the seams… we thought so.
DON’T SIT STILL
Working from home can mean new chairs, different computer heights and the loss of your daily commute. If you would usually cycle/run to work, use a gym near your office or even walk to the tube every day, it’s important that you find something to replace that daily exercise. If you can leave the house for a short amount of time, take a wander or jog to an open park for some fresh air and exercise which will burn extra calories and benefit your veins and muscles.
YouTube and social media is amazing for finding exercise routines like chair yoga, pilates and HIIT workouts. For the social bunnies out there, check out Dan Cunningham on Instagram who has been posting daily motivational and exercise updates!
BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
As humans, we have an innate affinity with the natural world. It has been confirmed (scientifically) that looking at green walls or plants helps you to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Which is one of the many reasons we incorporate green and biophilic design principles into our workspaces.
As mentioned by our User-Experience Specialist, Michal Malton at a ‘wellness in the workplace’ event last year “incorporating biophilic design principles in our design enables us to create healthier workspace, increasing focus by 15%.” So why not scatter some greenery around your living rooms?
WORK TO THE BEAT
Having the right backing track can help you focus throughout the day. We have four special HB Reavis soundscapes available over on Spotify: Focus, think, relax and create – just choose the one that’s right for you.
STAY HOME. BUT STAY CONNECTED, INDOORS
While many companies implement programmes such as Microsoft Teams – make use of WhatsApp, phonecalls, FaceTime and Skype to keep in touch with everyone. Whilst you’re housebound, its important to stay connected with your family, friends and colleagues.
LET’S ALSO DISCONNECT
With the same token, it’s important we minimise our screen time where possible. Try not to be consumed by negativity of the the daily news and social media, why not pick up a book or dust off the board games and go back to basics?
Blue screen light suppresses your melatonin and if you’re staring at your mobile and PC screen 24/7, it can affect your sleep cycle and wellbeing. Make sure you take regular breaks, speak to your friends, exercise and find ways to relax.
We hope you find some of these tips helpful. Tag HB Reavis on Instagram and Twitter and show us how you are championing your wellbeing at home.
You can read more about our approach to workplace wellbeing here.