Remote working is becoming increasingly popular these days due to its numerous benefits, including a flexible schedule and the autonomy to manage our workload. However, there are also downsides to working remotely, especially if you are frequently working from a couch and barely engaging in physical activities. To help, we have compiled a list of ways for you to maintain your physical well-being while working remotely. The best part is, that some of these methods are completely free!
Maintain your Wellness while Working Remotely
While you are working from home you may not have the same workspace setup as the one you are used to in the office. You may enjoy the lack of commute, but when your home turns into your workplace it can be hard to set the boundaries.
Set Boundaries Between Work and Home Life
Try to set up a designated workspace for yourself. It can be hard to stay on top of your work while working remotely. Especially if you suddenly have to share your makeshift office with kids, pets, spouses, or housemates. You may struggle to combine work with homeschooling. If you need help to stay on top of things you may benefit from our virtual office services. We can take messages while you are unable to answer phone calls and take some administrative load off your hands. If you like to know more you can find more information HERE.
Try to Stick to a Routine
Do not fall into the trap of letting a flexible work schedule take over your whole day. Maintain a strict schedule, with breaks and time away from your screens. Make sure you set yourself a consistent end-of-day knock-off time.
Be Sure to Get Some Fresh Air and Natural Daylight
Go for a run, walk, cycle, or do your daily exercise outside in your local park. Just 15 minutes a day outside can help your body generate melatonin which makes you feel better and helps you stay healthy and positive.
Stay Connected and Check in With Colleagues, Friends and Neighbours
Regularly check in with your colleagues over the phone and not just by email. Friends and family can be pillars of strength and support. Stay in touch over the phone or set up a video call. Perhaps give that person you haven’t spoken to for a while a call to check-in. Your phone call will be as beneficial to the receiver as it is to you.
Exercise Regularly and Set Yourself a Challenge
Staying physically healthy while working remotely is important and will also help you to maintain your mental health. To help you out, we listed 8 apps that our team likes to use to stay fit during remote work.
We see the world, not as it is, but as we are – or, as we are conditioned to see it.
– Stephen Covey
8 Apps to Improve Your Physical Health While Working Remotely
As Stephen Covey – renowned author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – said, We see the world, not as it is, but as we are – or, as we are conditioned to see it. Life is largely about perspective, and as challenging as this coronavirus time is, perhaps now is the ideal time to focus on developing some new healthy routines to work on our physical well-being. There is an appropriate maxim that states that in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. Here is a list of our favorite home workout apps.
- Zombies, Run!
As described by the creators, Zombies, Run! is an ultra-immersive running game and audio adventure run becomes a mission where you’re the hero, with our immersive audio drama putting you at the center of your very own zombie adventure story. Quite a fun and unique take on the usual running apps. This app is available on IOS and Android. The app is free but offers in-app purchases with more advanced features.
- C25K
Want to take up running, but Zombies are not your style? C25K stands for Couch to 5K. The app helps you get off the couch and run 5 kilometers within 8 weeks. Since we Melbournians aren’t allowed to be more than 5km from our homes, that is exactly what we need right now. The training program recommends 30-minute workouts 3 times a week and guides you through your workout with an audio coach. There is a free version available on Android and IOS and if you like it you can sign up for the pro version with more advanced features or move on to the Couch 2 10K program.
- Daily Yoga
If running isn’t your cup of tea, then some yoga might be in order. This app has various levels so all levels can utilise its functions. With plenty of guided programs and meditations, this would be an ideal option for you to try. The good thing is, you don’t even have to leave your home. So even if you are forced to isolate at home you can continue your workout. This app is available on IOS and Android. The basic app is free, you can upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock more features.
- Centr
Founded by Chris Hemsworth, this app offers a well-rounded fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness program to look after your general health. The program allows you to access a variety of different workouts, meal plans to keep up your nutrition as well as mindfulness exercises to help you incorporate some downtime in your daily routine. Centr is available on Android and IOS. You get a 7-day free trial, and if you like it you can sign up for a plan starting at $10 /month.
- 7 Minutes Workout
If you are juggling working from home and children home learning, you may simply just not have the time to spend on a workout. This app might just be the answer. 7 minutes of exercise is most definitely a digestible time to invest in one’s health and fitness. Daily HIIT exercises with no equipment can easily be done at home. Should you feel the need to take on something more challenging, you can opt to complete the 30-Day Challenge. This app is available for free on IOS and Android, you can upgrade to the pro version to unlock more features.
- Nike Training Club
Nike offers an app with more than 185 equipment-free workouts you can easily do at home or your local park. The app offers class-style fitness exercises at different levels from beginner to expert as well as nutrition tips and wellness exercises to help you sleep better. It is available on Android and IOS and is completely free. Just do it.
- YouTube
Fitness videos are abundant on YouTube that are created specifically for the at-home workout. YouTube is the perfect way to explore new workout styles and fitness regimes. You can find workouts from beginner to expert from enthusiastic home style bloggers as well as fitness experts. You may discover completely new ways to work out, that you can continue to do at home or take up at the gym once restrictions ease.
- Steptember – Charity Fundraiser Challenge
If you are working remotely, make sure you go out for a walk and soak in the sunshine and fresh air. It will help to clear your head, unwind, and assist in alleviating feelings of anxiety and stress. If you enjoy walking or running, while you are at it, you may like to take on a challenge and support a good cause. Join Steptember to raise awareness and funds for cerebral palsy while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This app is available on IOS and Android. The app is free and designed to track and share your progress for the Steptember challenge.
Workplace Wellness
United Co. offers an extensive wellness program to help members embrace work-life balance. We offer members regular yoga classes and an onsite gym to help them stay fit while they are at work.
You can find more information on United Co’s Wellness program HERE
Mental Health at Work
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as exercising regularly, especially during remote work. Exercise can help us maintain our mental health, but incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine can also help you stay focused and on track.
If you’d like to learn more, read our blog on mental health and wellness while working remotely.
Seek help if you are struggling to stay positive
It is only natural that while being virtually imprisoned in our homes, fighting an invisible foe, negative emotions surface and fester. Negative feelings will creep in but should never be discounted.
If you find it hard to cope with the current situation there are several organizations you can reach out to for professional help. The first step is always the hardest, but I implore you to use the resources that have been made available to you.
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
- Safe Steps on 1800 015 188
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
About United Co.
United Co. is a wellness-focused shared workspace. We offer a range of services to help you work better.
- Private Offices for individuals and teams large and small.
- Coworking flexible workspace solutions in a collaborative environment.
- Virtual Office to support you remotely, no matter where you like to work.
- Meeting Rooms for 6-24 people with phone and video conferencing facilities so you can connect to teams no matter where they are in the world.
- Venue Hire for small and large corporate gatherings, with a range of healthy catering options.
If you like to know more follow the links below for more information on our services.
Questions?
If you like to speak to a member of our team, please do not hesitate to get in touch and contact us today.
