Health2 min(s) read
Published 09:16 04 Jul 2020 GMT
Over the last few months, many of us have been working from home in an attempt to flatten the curve and help protect ourselves and those around us.
For me, my hour-long commute on the subway each morning has been replaced by rolling over in bed and grabbing my laptop precisely one minute before my shift starts.
I don't know about you, but when I first found out that I had to work from home for the foreseeable future, I was excited.
I'm still saving money by not commuting, the only person I have to make idle chit-chat with by the coffee machine is my wife, and my fully stocked fridge is literally eight steps away from my desk - it is bliss.
However, working from home has had its downsides, and they are starting to show (primarily around my waistline).
From eating and lying in bed more to moving and getting outside less, I think more and more of us are starting to see the negative impacts of remote working.
In fact, a job discovery platform called DirectlyApply has recently unveiled a visual model for what remote workers might look like in 25 years in the future if they don't fix these bad habits.
Meet Susan:
Susan was created by a team of clinical psychologists and fitness experts to show us working-from-homers what we could look like in 25 years if we continue to ignore guidelines for health remote working.
Susan suffers from an incredibly poor posture thanks to a combination of no exercise and sitting in front of a screen all day (commonly referred to as "tech neck").
She also possesses increased wrinkles, computer vision syndrome, and dark circles around the eyes - all of which can occur from squinting and staring at a screen all day long.
Due to a lack of exercise and getting out of the house, Susan is also obese and - combined with a lack of vitamin D from the sun - she is also displaying hair loss and pale skin.
But what about what you can't see? Well, as a result of the fact that Susan has experienced long periods without any human contact, which Clinical Psychologist Kate Brierton says can lead to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol - which raises blood pressure and has harmful effects on physical health.
Being unable to switch off from working and therefore working longer hours means Susan could be suffering from chronic stress, which in turn can lead to cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions.
Per Fox News, a statement from DirectlyApply reads:
"With lockdown having forced people across the globe into what has been the world’s largest remote working experiment, our usual interpretation of the perk has been transformed forever.
"Whilst your bed-to-desk commute may allow for more free time and independence, will the physical repercussions to your mind and body be worth it in the future?"
However, the London-based job searching site, which also operates in the US and Canada, did thankfully shares some positive tips for improving physical and mental health while from home.
These include setting yourself and sticking to a routine.
Dr Rachel M Allan, Chartered Counselling Psychologist, says: "Sticking to a routine that suits your life, your productivity levels, and your job demands is essential to maintaining emotional health when working remotely.
"Routine empowers us to manage our time, and optimize our focus. Think about how you want to manage your time and what would work best in the broader context of your life."
In addition, take the time to nurture your positive working relationships.
Dr Allan says that "some of our most important professional relationships have their origins in the informal chats and unstructured moments that occur organically in the physical workplace," and that "remote working may require us to consciously build in opportunities to connect informally with colleagues."
But if you take the time to develop and strengthen these relationships, then it can lead to an increase in morale, productivity, and boost emotional health at work.
Also, a big one I personally am guilty of neglecting: Exercise! Everybody knows the physical and mental benefits of exercise, but Personal Trainer Joe Mitton recommends yoga during these trying times, as it is "the perfect remedy for stiffness and 'tech neck'".
Finally, make sure your workspace is separated from the rest of your living area so that you can achieve a healthier work/life balance.
Kate Brierton, Clinical Psychologist, also recommends using your beneficial free time to "to support your physical and emotional health." She adds:
"You could spend that time socializing with friends and family, taking a walk in nature, or doing a fitness activity you enjoy. All of these activities are good for us and will improve your overall performance at work more than simply having a longer working day."
Finally, collaborate and check-in more with your team. Physiotherapist Emma James recommends setting up “team meetings and encouraging movement within the meeting; perhaps as part of a team-building initiative, 10 o'clock meeting is 'sip and stretch'."
Stay healthy and don't be a Susan.
