Yesterday, I participated in a webinar for PRSA Pittsburgh about our partnership with NAMI Keystone PA last year. PRSA helped with communications for the campaign, CEOs Against Stigma which engaged local business leaders to combat the stigma of mental illness in the workplace. While we spoke about the campaign and what we did last year, we also touched on how the pandemic has caused psychological distress this year, and how this has factored into work from home.
One of the things we shared was ways to stay healthy and since I’m on month seven of working from home (and will be for the foreseeable future), I thought I’d share some tips on how I’ve been keeping healthy during the workweek.
Exercise
If you’ve read this blog for any amount of time, then you know how much of a fan I am of staying active. I try to do a Peloton workout 2-4 days a week (strength and bike, usually), then I go for a run 1-2 days a week. I used to get up around 5:30 to work out, but because I don’t have a commute, I’ve pushed that up a bit. I’m not complaining! But I still try and work out first thing after I take my dog for a walk so that I can get it done and get a shower before the day starts. It really starts the day off on a high note to get a good sweat in, and things don’t get in the way.
Having some sort of exercise is so key to staying healthy. You don’t have to do an hour of intense cardio or lifting, either; you can simply go for a walk or do a stretch class — anything to get your body moving is great. Especially when you can get outside for these types of views.
Hydration
I started using a new-to-me water pitcher from Santevia: The MINA Alkaline Pitcher. This pitcher filters up to 99% of chlorine and 93.5% of lead, and creates alkaline water by adding calcium, magnesium and other healthy minerals. According to Santevia, mineralized alkaline water helps to fight free radicals and flush out toxins. Not only that, but they give to organizations that support education, farming and clean water in third world countries.
I’ve been a Brita drinker for years, so I understand the importance of filtered water and cutting down on using bottles, but I love the addition of adding these healthy benefits to your water. My husband raved about the taste as soon as he drank it, too! It does taste great – just crisp and clean. Big thanks to Santevia for sending me a pitcher to try. I’ll definitely be ordering more filters (and you can recycle them!)
Drinking lots of water throughout the day is an easy way to stay healthy and hydrated, which can help you focus on the task at hand.
Boundaries & Background Noise
When WFH first started back in March, I was worried I was going to have zero work (or lose my job). Thankfully, the opposite happened and I stayed really busy. But then I started working all day and not really shutting off. Or some mornings I would just start working right after I woke up.
I’ve gotten away from this and make it a point to start around normal hours still (9ish) and then I try to stop at a certain point each day. Of course some days you can’t help this and need to work late or log in on weekends, etc. but keeping those set hours have helped me mentally disconnect. And speaking of disconnecting, leaving my phone in the kitchen after dinner helps me ignore it as best I can. It’s hard, but doing this or deleting apps all together (just for a day or two) is the best way to rid your mind of the stress of the internet. I also used to work at the dining room table but now sit in our home office every day instead (that’s what it’s there for, right?) Yes, I am further away from the coffee pots (and refilling my water), but it helps set a better boundary.
I also think music is a great way to help the work day. It’s just me and my pup at home during the day, so having music in the background helps keep me positive. My current favorite workday playlist is linked here.
I also love to listen to the Office Ladies podcast while I walk the dog or make dinner. Any podcasts you’re loving right now? Let me know! I need a new one!
Special Treats
One thing I started doing over the summer was making my weekly run extra special. So instead of running my neighborhood or treadmill, I go to my favorite park and after, I work outside at a local coffee shop/bakery since I could take my food to go and their outdoor seating is open. Or I go to Clean Juice after for a smoothie or juice. This fun routine has been a great way to break up the daily home office and a way to take advantage of this new flexibility. Finding a special treat like this is fun. I am trying to do my runs outside for as long as possible before it’s too cold and dark. I also want to go visit a local coffee truck one of these mornings.
Giving In
One of the things I shared on the webinar yesterday was letting myself give in is also as equally important to maintaining healthy habits like exercise. My diet is definitely not as good as it was in 2019 so I’ve been working on that, but not beating myself up about it. And if some days I don’t want to get ready and stay in my PJs, or order food delivery for dinner, that’s totally OK.
What healthy habits are you using to get through the work day?
