As a result of the pandemic, millions of companies have embraced remote work. From small businesses to multinational corporations, more people are working from home. While it’s good because it means they get to keep their job at a time when unemployment is at an all-time high, it also presents challenges. It can lead to a decline in physical health, which is very important during a health crisis.
Here’s how you can work on yourself at home:
Eye Health
The “new normal” means changes in daily routines. Before, you may have had to wake up early to prepare for your workday and to travel to the office. Now, you can wake up and start working immediately. It can also mean that your body clock has changed. It’s not uncommon to have trouble sleeping a full eight hours or to find yourself staying up late.
The problem is that all these changes can have a negative effect on your eyes. When you factor in the sleeplessness and the time you spend in front of the computer screen, you’ll likely experience some sort of eyestrain. Rest your eyes by focusing on something else every few minutes. You can follow the 20-20-20 rule where you take a break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds to look at an object 20 feet away. You can also try turning off overhead lights or turning down the brightness of the computer screen. When your vision has worsened and you’re experiencing headaches, consult a doctor. They can tell you whether you need artificial tears or a specific type of glaucoma surgery.
Skincare
The body’s largest organ needs care at home, too. Because it’s not exposed to polluted air or thick layers of makeup, it’s easy to think it will improve. But it’s actually common to get breakouts during the pandemic.
To help deal with acne, you’ll have to identify the source. If you spend a lot of time outside, you may be wearing your mask for extended hours. It can absorb dirt and expose your skin to acne-causing bacteria. Dermatologist Adam Mamelak recommends using a mask made of silk because it’s better for sensitive skin. Because your daily routine has changed, you may not have kept up with your skincare regimen. Try double cleansing and clay masks to treat your skin.
Lower Body
Before the pandemic, you probably spent a lot of time walking and exercising at the gym. But you can still work on your lower body at home. You don’t even need any special gym equipment. You can do squats and lunges while watching TV or listening to music. WHO recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week. You can space that out, so you’ll do around 21 minutes of workouts each day. If you have trouble committing to exercise, invite your friends to join in. You can have video calls, so you’ll hold each other accountable.
The best thing about working from home is the extra time. You don’t have to put on makeup or travel to the office anymore. Instead, you can use the time to take extra care of yourself. Improve your skincare regimen, rest your eyes, and exercise.
