Be A Healthy Home-Worker

Working remotely may sound appealing but it's all too easy to fall into unhealthy habits. Here's how to get the balance right...

- Jane Murphy

More than four million people – that’s around 13 per cent of the UK workforce – now work primarily from home, according to the Office of National Statistics. And that number is growing all the time, largely due to technological advances and our desire for a better work-life balance. The obvious benefits? You can avoid the commute, wear pyjamas all day and take a break to stick the washing on or call a friend when it suits you.

But research shows there are potential downsides to being a home-worker. Chances are your workstation won't have been designed to suit your personal needs. You can’t just call IT when your computer crashes. It's also all too easy to fall into unhealthy habits, such as poor posture and mindless snacking. The boundary between work and home can become blurred at the edges, so you never quite switch off. And being home alone can make you feel isolated and demoralised. According to a survey by Aldermore, nearly 40 per cent of self employed people say they've felt lonely since becoming their own boss.

CREATE A HEALTHY ROUTINE

If you dream of working in your pyjamas, you're not going to like this – but it's actually important to get dressed so your brain and body know you're ready for the working day, says psychologist Dr Meg Arroll. A regular routine is vital for overall health and wellbeing. Set yourself strict working hours and stick to them – that means clocking off even if a task is pending. It helps to define your time and prioritise so you're not wasting hours on unimportant tasks, such as responding to every email that arrives.'