Whilst most of us love the new working environment, it can take a bit of a strain on us in different ways; our routine, not getting out of the house for a commute, waking up at different times as well as incoming posture issues (Stop sitting at your kitchen benchtop).
You can take some simple steps, to ensure you thrive when you’re working – no matter whether you’re in the office, at home or in a beachside villa in Port Douglas!!
Here are 4 daily habits to help you feel good & function at your best!
1. Dress for Success & feel amazing in your skin!!
2. Create an office space where you can ideally close the door.
3. Create ‘no work’ zones in the living area or common spaces.
4. ‘Commute’ before & after work – take a walk around the block or to the park.
When you team these with a solid self-care routine you will start to completely optimise your wellbeing, have more energy and thrive every day.
Here are my 5 self-care habits to help you navigate our new working model:
Sleep And Wake Up At The Same Time
It sounds very simple but by exercising good sleep hygiene, going to bed and waking up early every day – you will start to reinforce your circadian rhythm – meaning that your body will function more efficiently & you’ll have more energy.
If you want to go one step further you can add in a Morning and Evening routine.
Take A Walk Outside & Soak Up That Vitamin D
Walking daily holds a plethora of benefits from improved sleep, social connection (walking with friends), lowers blood pressure & helps to reduce stress but one of the biggest benefits of a daily walk is to sock up that beautiful vitamin D.
Research has shown that vitamin D plays a role in regulating our mood and emotions. It’s also involved in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health.
Connect With Other Humans
In his studies Professor of Psychology & Psychiatry Richard J. Davidson, found that loneliness was one of the key challenges in today’s society. He reported that loneliness takes a toll on our brains and our bodies, it impacts your physical health & can cause more early mortality than obesity!
Big or small, we NEED social connection to have a good quality of life.
What is one thing you can do every day this week to connect with other people?
Perhaps you can call a friend, see your family, have friends over for dinner or play a local sport! Even sitting in your local coffee shop and being surrounded by others helps.
Keep an eye on your Spine
Our spine is pretty much the centre of our universe as humans. Aside from giving us structural support, the spine also connects our brain to the rest of our body. We often sit in uncomfortable chairs and/or sit down for up to 4 hours at a time without moving.
Take care of your spine by going for regular massages, stretching, having a good ergonomic set up & by practising yoga (try Child’s pose, Seated Twist or Cat/Cow before you go to bed to add some mobility).
Eat foods that nourish you
One of the many benefits of being at home is you have more time for cooking & prepping meals. What we eat plays a HUGE part in our risk of ageing, chronic disease, our energy levels and our day to day mood.
As the 2nd brain, we know that a healthy mind starts from the gut. Foods to enjoy every day are the basics; leafy greens, fermented foods, high potassium (avocado & bananas), eggs, berries, green tea & of course dark chocolate!
Jess Dodd is a Principal Consultant at Peoplecorp recruiting emerging HR professionals into interim and contract roles. In addition, Jess also runs her own wellbeing consultancy – Mindfully Connected. For a discussion with Jess about wellbeing or an interim role, you can reach her on 0481 152 744.
