Self-care when working remotely

Over the past two years, many people in the UK have had to adapt to working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are certainly some benefits to working remotely, such as a flexible schedule and no commute, there are also downsides that can impact both physical and mental health. In this post, we'll explore some of the ways that working from home can impact your health and well-being, and we'll provide three tips for looking after yourself if you're working remotely. 

How Working from Home Can Impact Your Health 

Working from home can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. According to a survey conducted by Bupa UK, 44% of UK workers who started working from home during the pandemic reported an increase in musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, a study by the Office for National Statistics found that 51% of UK workers reported feeling isolated while working from home, with 46% reporting that their mental health has been negatively affected. Some of the things that can have a negative impact on someone if they are working from home include: 

Poor ergonomics 

Many people do not have a proper desk or chair at home, which can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal disorders. A study by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy found that 32% of UK workers reported an increase in back pain while working from home. Lack of movement: Without a commute or the need to move around an office, people who work from home may find that they are sitting for long periods, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. A survey by Public Health England found that during the pandemic, the average UK worker spent an additional 59 minutes per day sitting. 

Isolation and loneliness

Without the social interaction that comes with working in an office, people who work from home may feel isolated and lonely, which can impact mental health. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 46% of UK workers reported feeling lonely during the pandemic. 

3 Ways to Look After Yourself if Working Remotely 

Here are three ways that you can look after yourself if you're working remotely:

Create a designated workspace: Having a dedicated workspace can help you separate work and personal life, which is crucial when working from home. Find a quiet space in your home that you can use as an office and set up a desk and chair that support good posture. According to a study by the British Chiropractic Association, only 20% of UK workers have a suitable workspace at home. By having a designated workspace, you'll also be able to switch off from work when you're finished for the day, reducing the risk of burnout and stress. 

Take breaks and move around: When you're working from home, it's easy to sit at your desk for hours without moving. However, taking regular breaks and moving around can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal pain and weight gain. A survey by Public Health England found that only 22% of UK workers took a break from sitting every 30 minutes. 

Stay connected: While working from home can be isolating, it's important to stay connected with colleagues and friends. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or team meetings to maintain social interaction. According to a survey by CIPD, 38% of UK workers felt that their employer did not do enough to support their mental health during the pandemic. 

Conclusion 

Working from home can have both positive and negative effects on your physical and mental health. By creating a designated workspace, taking breaks and moving around, and staying connected with colleagues and friends, you can improve your overall well-being when working remotely. 

It's important to prioritize your health and make adjustments to your routine to ensure that working from home doesn't have a negative impact on your health. It's also worth noting that some employers have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are working in a safe and healthy environment, whether that's in the office or at home. 

Statistics show that the pandemic has had a significant impact on people's health and wellbeing, with many experiencing musculoskeletal pain, isolation, and loneliness. In the UK, the Mental Health Foundation found that 40% of workers felt anxious or worried during the pandemic, and 32% felt stressed or overwhelmed.

Furthermore, a survey by Mind found that 56% of people experienced a decline in their mental health during the pandemic. It's clear that working from home can be challenging, but it's important to remember that there are things you can do to take care of yourself. By prioritizing your health, you can improve your overall well-being and productivity, which can ultimately lead to a more successful and fulfilling work-from-home experience. 

In summary, if you're working remotely in the UK, it's important to be aware of the potential impact on your health and well-being. Poor ergonomics, lack of movement, and isolation can all contribute to physical and mental health problems. However, by creating a designated workspace, taking breaks and moving around, and staying connected with colleagues and friends, you can mitigate these issues and improve your overall well-being. Remember to prioritize your health and make adjustments to your routine as necessary to ensure that you're able to work from home in a safe and healthy way.