Exercise and Eat Well

Sitting in one position the entire day is bad for your body and mind. Your body becomes stiff and sluggish without regular movement and so does your mind! Try scheduling some kind of movement into your day, whether it is a lunchtime walk around your neighborhood or a fifteen-minute workout in your afternoon break. Physical exercise stimulates the body and brain and generates the chemicals we need to feel alert, balanced, and motivated when we return to work. It’s also a great way to shake off any stress or tension that has accumulated during the day and to generate a positive mindset if we have been feeling cross or challenged.

Alternatives to the traditional desk and chair set up include ‘standing desks’. Proponents of standing desks claim several benefits including feeling more energized and focused. Standing to work is said to improve mood, mental alertness and productivity. To feel the benefits of standing to work, experts recommend standing for at least 30 mins at a time for a minimum of 4 hours in your working day. Alternating between sitting and standing could be the key to sharpening your focus and getting more done.

Check out this article on the benefits of standing desks for your wellbeing and productivity:

What and when we eat can make a huge difference to how we feel and how we perform. When our blood sugar is too low or too high, it can be hard to stay focused. Good breakfast with foods that release their energy in a slow and steady stream through the day is the ideal start for a virtual worker. A light, healthy lunch will avoid the afternoon slump associated with heavy carbohydrate-based meals. Plan ahead to have a few tasty healthy treats to snack on if you need a boost but try to avoid spending the entire day snacking and staring into the refrigerator. Food can be a big distraction if we don’t maintain some boundaries around it.