9 Avoidable Health Mistakes You’re Making As A Remote Worker

Remote workers have all sorts of advantages. They can set their hours (usually), avoid long commutes, and generally have a better overall quality of life. 

But, of course, those perks and comforts can sometimes come at the expense of health. Yes, you have more time to play tennis or go to the gym, but that’s often offset by how you’re actually living day to day. 

Fortunately, this post is here to help. We look at some of the avoidable health mistakes you’re making as a remote worker and how to fix them, pronto. 

Working Through Pain

One mistake you’re making is working through your pain. Many workers get into the habit of ignoring what their bodies are saying to them. 

Often, pain comes on slowly. For example, the worker might ignore a sharp, stabbing pain in their wrist. Then, over time, it becomes even more intense to the point where eventually they can’t type on the keyboard. 

The fix for this problem is to pay attention to your body. Even if you feel a little niggle, getting it checked out and doing something about it early is often far superior to leaving it until later. 

Also, make sure you take a proper break from the activities that cause the pain after an injury. Don’t just try to push through it as you may not be giving your body the rest and recovery it needs to get better. 

Relying On Processed Snacks

Another mistake many remote workers make is relying on processed junk for snacks. This food is cheap and convenient, but it doesn’t nourish your body like real food. 

The best way to deal with processed snacks is to never allow them into your home. Don’t put tubs of ice cream in the freezer because all it will do is tempt you. 

Instead of relying on processed snacks, focus more on getting whole food sources of nutrition. If you want, keep a basket of fresh fruit next to your desk all day, allowing you to snack healthily. 

Don’t worry about the sugar content of fruit. Because it’s packaged up with the rest of the food, it won’t harm you, and will probably help you. 

Overworking Without Boundaries

Another issue many people have is overworking without boundaries. They’re at home and now they feel like they have to respond to their boss or colleagues whenever they fire off emails. 

This behavior occurs because of the shift out of the office and into the home. Now that houses are basically workplaces, it changes the dynamic between companies and their employees, reducing the barriers between work and private life. 

Therefore, set clear work hours and agree on them with your boss. When you’re done, switch off, tune out, and don’t respond to any communications. Ensure you have a separate work phone number and email so you don’t get constant notifications on your screen. 

Not Hydrating

While it might sound basic, not hydrating is another substantial issue that many remote workers face. They simply don’t drink enough during the day, perhaps because they’re so busy at their computers. 

Fortunately, the solution to this one is pretty simple: keep a water bottle nearby. Don’t be one of those people whose pee goes brown because they aren’t getting sufficient hydration. 

Make sure the bottle has at least a two-liter capacity. If it does, it means that it should keep you hydrated, regardless of the length of your shift. 

Too Much Screen Time

You could also be making the mistake of excessive screen time. Looking at computer-generated images and text all day long can be a strain on the eyes, leading to headaches and migraines. 

The fix for this is to look at your screen less. However, if you can’t do that, screen filters are also an option. These block out blue light, preventing excessive activation of your fight-or-flight brain circuits during the day. 

Ideally, you don’t want to get much more than six hours of screen time per day. Obviously, that isn’t always possible, so it’s well worth thinking about ways to get around it. 

Sitting Down Too Much

Another health mistake you can avoid is sitting too long. Research shows that excessive sitting can lead to all sorts of health problems, including metabolic issues (which is one of the things most people want to avoid). 

Therefore, look for ways around this problem. Generally, you have three options: 

• Set a timer to get up and move around every hour
• Use standing desk
• Use a standing desk with a treadmill underneath

Any of these should improve your health. The standing desk is often the most practical, but you will need to experiment to see what works for you. 

Ignoring Sleep

When you work at home or remotely, it’s also tempting to ignore sleep. Sometimes, you can eat into your bedtimes, just because there are so many responsibilities and emails coming through from head office. 

As such, set a constant sleep routine and don’t deviate from it. Commit to going to bed at, say, 10 pm and waking up at 6 am. See if you can lengthen your sleep so you can focus and concentrate more in the daytime. 

Overlooking Mental Health

As a remote worker, you may also get into the habit of ignoring your mental health. Overlooking it is often easier than tackling it head-on and doing something about it. 

Overlooking mental health isn’t something you want to take lightly. While it might seem efficient, being alone, at home, and working all the time can be damaging to the human psyche. 

Because of this, focus on your emotions and how you feel. Schedule plenty of time for winding down and relaxing after intense days of work. 

Not Taking Time For Meals

Finally, many people get into trouble when they don’t take time for meals. Often, remote workers mindlessly graze instead of thinking about what they really want to put in their bodies. 

Therefore, structure your meals. Eat the same thing every day if you have to to stay healthy. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.