Health and wellbeing for teams: top tips while working from home

This is an unprecedented time of anxiety and isolation which, for most of the population, means having to stay at home and avoid other people. Working from home might feel difficult or stressful at times, but there are lots of things you can do that could benefit your wellbeing. 

Below are some top tips on ways teams can remain motivated and maintain their emotional and physical health during these worrying times. 

• Connection is key – a 10-minute video catch–up will bring your team together each day and works wonders for maintaining team spirit. Why not lighten things up once a week with ‘chats in hats’ to reduce stress levels and keep the team smiling.  
• Avoid mindless snacking when working from home – making nutritious choices can boost your well–being so keep healthy snacks on your desk and make time to have a proper lunch break. Given the current shopping restrictions, meal planning is even more important. Plan ahead when you do your food shop and where possible, cook from scratch using fresh, organic produce. If you do reach for the crisps, don’t beat yourself up – compassion for yourself and others is crucial during these challenging times.  
• Drink plenty of water – have a reusable bottle on your makeshift desk as this will remind you and will be a record of how much water you are drinking. Aim for around a litre a day and add some lemon or a slice of cucumber for extra flavour. Drinking little and often is the best way to stay hydrated. 
• The weather is warming up so make use of natural ventilation where possible by opening windows and doors to increase air flow. If you have a garden, maybe take a refreshment break outside and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. 
• Get dressed – avoid the temptation to stay in your pyjamas all day. Getting dressed and having a clear workspace will improve your state of mind and prepare you for work. 
• Whatever kind of desk space you have, take the time to do a few stretches to loosen up the shoulders and reduce tension. Stand up, stretch, take a little walk to get you away from the computer screen.  
• Keep active – the closure of gyms and leisure centres has led to a surge in online exercise classes, many of which are free, ranging from yoga to high intensity workouts. Classes range in time and can all be done in small spaces with little or no equipment.  
• Get some fresh air (unless you’re self-isolating) – take the time to get your daily dose of exercise outdoors.  A quick walk round the block can help brush any cobwebs away and set you up for the rest of the day. If you’re used to walking or cycling to work, you’re probably missing your daily routine.  Why not take your daily exercise first thing in the morning to set you up for the day? 
• Mental health may be affected by the crisis so make sure you talk to someone if you are feeling particularly low, this could be a friend, family member or colleague. You can even get support from an online peer community called Elefriends, if you need to talk to someone.  If you’re worried about how Covid-19 is affecting you and your family, the mental health charity Mind has lots of tips that may help. 
• Make sure you keep a work-life balance – keep to your work hours, even if you’re tempted to do more, and make time for proper breaks. You may not be able to do the regular 9-5 hours, but it’s important to make the distinction between work and leisure time. 

Have you any top tips for working from home? Let us know about them at info@iie.uk.com or speak to us on Twitter @iiEUK.