For the past year, more people than ever have been working from home. Sitting in front of the computer all day creates fatigue, stiffness, and irritation. Here are some tips I often recommend to my patients:
Tip # 1: Brighten Your Workplace.
In the afternoon, especially on a cloudy day, turning on all the lights in a room for as little as 10 minutes will kickstart your adrenaline for better focus.
Tip # 2: Get Those Windows Open!
Good natural ventilation is always important.
Opening 1-2 windows for 10 minutes twice a day significantly helps to slash fatigue. Multiple studies have even shown that allowing fresh air to circulate in the room where you are spending most of your day is key to avoiding exposure to high concentrations of viruses.
Tip # 3: Adjust the Thermostat.
Specifically, lower the thermostat. A warm workplace can keep you tired and sleepy. Make sure the temperature in your home office is comfortable and adjusted to your personal preferences, the time of the year, and the outside weather. Funnily enough, men generally perform better mentally if exposed to lower temperatures than women.
Tip # 4: Think “Half Full”!
Switch to “half full” thinking. Instead of thoughts like, “I wish I weren’t,” try to replace them with upbeat ones like, “I’m grateful I’m…” Researchers say that this way you will increase your brain’s output of energizing endorphins in just 5 minutes.
Tip # 5: Stretch More.
Stretching for 30 seconds every 15 minutes helps boost energy, concentration, and accuracy all day long.
Tip # 6: Get that Sustenance!
If you need to read a tedious long document, snack on a banana. Its 594 mg of potassium will go to work instantly to stimulate your muscle, nerve, and brain cells to function at their peak.
Tip # 7: Calm Pre-Zoom Nerves.
Just thinking about your Zoom with a potential client can be unnerving enough. To stay calm, try practicing a “hissing snake breath” by:
| 1. Placing your tongue behind the upper teeth. 2. Inhaling through your nose while mentally counting to 4. 3. Holding your breath on a count of 4. 4. Then, exhaling via your mouth (with your tongue is staying behind your upper teeth all the while) on a count of 8. 5. Repeating this full cycle 3-5 times. |
Tip # 8: Sip on Some Tea.
Sipping on one cup of Panax Ginseng tea will boost your mental acuity to help you tackle an exhausting project.
Tip # 9: Take a Phone Break.
Turn off your cell. Researchers suggest that taking a refreshing break from everyday cell phone noise for as little as 1 hour daily banishes tiredness and boosts your ability to think clearly by 40% for 2 hours.
Tip # 10: Zen OUT!
After a half-day of work, Zen out for 20 minutes in meditation or prayer or even yoga. After hours on the phone or in front of a computer, this will allow your adrenals to rest and heal.
The Bottom Line
Overall, working from home doesn’t have to drain your energy or productivity. By implementing these simple (holistic) tips, you can stay focused, calm, and healthy throughout the day.
