Work From Home - The New Normal

163 Days of nationwide lockdown brought the country to a virtual standstill following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Due to the unprecedent situation these days, maximum lives of working professionals have had to alter the workspace, the routine and the schedules to contribute to their jobs and duties.

Work From Home (WFH) was a wish or dream for people struggling with their jobs, traffic & commute time. To enjoy staying in bed with laptop, binge watching their favourite shows, enjoy occasional drinks, meals or take a nap in between.

However, the fantasy fulfilled of working from home. 

I'm sure everyone working from home must have realized that what exactly it is to "Work from Home"

Work from home also known as Remote work or Telecommuting is the New trend!

But this new trend has become more tedious & time consuming. Company targets have increased, Sleeping disorders have increased and the complications of this new trends doesn't end here.

DRAWBACKS OF ''WORK FROM HOME''

      

        Drawbacks of Work from Home

• Imbalance in Personal and Professional life.
• Weight gain
• Eye strain
• Tension in Neck, Shoulder and Back
• FOMO - Fear of missing out
• Binge Watching & binge eating 
• Sleeping disorders
• Stress
• Poor posture

  These are few of the basic Drawbacks of "Work from home".

           

              WORK FROM HOME - Advice & Prevention

Advice & Prevention

1. Imbalance in Personal & Professional life

     This causes depersonalization of relationship, affects job performance, also leads to poor health.

• Plot some personal time & family time.
• Set your working hours & stick to them.
• Be nice to your family & friends.

2. Weight Gain

• Plan your meals.
• Follow proper diet.
• Don't skip your meals.
• Instead of munching all the time, take out time and eat healthy- fruits & salads.

3. Eye Strain

• Take regular eye breaks.
• Adjust the lighting- keep the room softly lit.
• Limit your screen time.
• Choose the right eye-wear (if required)

4. Tension in Neck, Shoulder & Back

• Take a regular break after every 45-50 mins.
• Relax your body.

1. Shoulder elevation & depression.              
2. Ear to Shoulder (Side flexion- Neck)  
3. Chin tucks or chin retractions
4. Cross arm stretch
5. Swing your arms (Clockwise & Anticlockwise)             

• Stretch out your legs.
• Raise your arms over your head, clamp your fingers & stretch.
• Neck rotations- Clockwise & Anticlockwise (15 rotations each in every 30 to 45 mins).

5. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

• Avoid using Social media.
•  Stop comparing your life with others.
• Talk to someone- Family & Friends
• Practice mindfulness

6. Binge watching & Binge Eating

• Create & follow your routine.
• Indulge in Physical activities.
• Spend time with family & friends.
• Plan your meals.
• Avoid munching.

7. Sleeping Disorders

   One of the most terrible drawback of WFH is sleeping disorder like - Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Restless legs syndrome etc.

For keeping sleeping disorders at bay :

• Maintain a balance diet.
• Indulge in exercise routines.
• Avoid caffeine (Specially at night).
• Take hot shower prior to sleep.
• Limit your daytime naps.

8. Stress

• Manage your time.
• Talk to someone instead of overthinking.
• Know that this is just a phase that will pass.
• Get yourself proper sound sleep.
• Reduce alcohol & caffeine consumption.
• Be assertive.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards life.

9. Poor Posture

   Fight shy of poor posture by:

• Workplace modification.

1. Height of the screen- eye level.
2. Height of the table- elbow level.
3. Height of the chair-foot supported.
4. Screen tilted.

• Stop using couch as your workplace.
• Create a workplace that fits you & is comfortable.
• Invest in portable keyboards.
• Take breaks.

Work From Home might not be as exciting as you thought it would be... but if you follow the above guide, I am sure your life will be much exciting yet a relaxed one!