There are many benefits of working from home as a freelancer. These include the flexibility and autonomy of setting your own hours, the cost and time savings you make by not having to commute, and the increased productivity.
However, there are drawbacks too, such as the propensity to overwork, not giving yourself enough breaks, and feelings of isolation, to name a few. If these issues are not identified and properly managed, they can impact your physical and mental health and, therefore, your business.
To prevent this from happening, here are 5 wellness ideas and tips to incorporate into your day when you work from home as a freelancer.
1. Make your office space work for you
Even if you don’t have a separate office in your home, it’s advisable to separate your workspace from your living space with a specifically dedicated working area.
To personalize your space so it’s an inspiring and comfortable place to work, you could consider adding a house plant, a memento, or a photo that inspires you nearby – even a daily mantra on the wall or as a screen saver. The more clutter-free, the better. The key is to make your space work for you so that when you sit down to work, you know exactly where to find the tools, files, and general paraphernalia you need and that your workspace is as efficient as possible.
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To enhance your wellness and help your posture, consider investing in an ergonomic office desk and chair. If you work at your desk for long periods, you could invest in a standing desk or an adjustable stand so you can decide whether to sit or stand.
Another wellness practice to consider, where your office equipment is literally supporting you, is the increasingly popular chair yoga. This can be very beneficial and help reduce stress, increase flexibility and improve strength.
2. Incorporate movement into your day
While taking regular breaks is important, what you do during those breaks can also positively contribute to your well-being and boost your energy and mood.
Walking has many benefits, and a simple short walk around the block or up and down your yard can be just as beneficial as a walk in nature.
You don’t need to go to the gym to incorporate movement into your day, either. You can exercise at home with little to no equipment by incorporating stretch breaks into your day. Or try some calisthenics, Wall Pilates, or even, if possible, a short dead hang—which is great for decompressing the spine, improving body alignment, and increasing overall strength.
All these require minimum to no equipment and make for the perfect ‘movement snack’.
3. Set proper boundaries
Boundary setting is a must for freelancers when working with clients. You need to set out from the get-go what your work boundaries are, when clients can contact you, and via what medium. This is especially the case if you have global clients who may be in different time zones.
When you work from home, you also need to ensure other people in your household are aware of your office space and your working hours and set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
And don’t forget to set boundaries and work schedules for yourself. When you are working on your own, it can be easy to get carried away and work all hours. If you overwork, this will impact on your energy, mental health and overall productivity and can even lead to burnout.
4. Socialize online and offline
No one is an island. We need people in our lives to connect with on many different levels, and freelancing is no different. Networking for freelancers, whether online or in person, is an excellent way to get your brand known and attract more clients. It’s also a chance to connect with other freelancers and like-minded folk with whom you can brainstorm ideas, refer clients, and foster long-term business relationships. Consider joining business groups online and attending industry events.
You can also arrange regular chats and check-ins with business buddies. The key is not to feel isolated or alone – and when you do, talk to someone about it. Knowing you have business buddies who are there to support you does wonders for your resilience and can pick you up when you are feeling down.
And remember to physically leave the house and socialize with friends and family too!
5. Have a routine (and a ritual)
Having a daily morning routine can really set you up for the day. Whether this is writing a journal, meditating, or simply contemplating the day ahead over a coffee, having a clear and calm mindset can do wonders for your productivity. You may find that physical activity works for you, so going for a run or a dog walk might be the thing that sets your day off to a good start. Do what works for you.
In addition to having a morning routine, consider marking the end of the working day with a transition ritual. It could be as simple as setting a specific time to end your day, going for a walk or to the gym, reading a chapter of the business book you are currently reading, listening to a short ten-minute podcast in the foreign language you are learning, or playing a musical instrument! It doesn’t matter what it is – just something that tells your brain to switch off from work mode. You’ll be surprised how effective (and satisfying) this can be.
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All the above are just a few ideas to get you thinking on the right track, but there are many other practices you can incorporate into your day to enhance your well-being when working from home. These include but aren’t limited to making sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, getting quality sleep, having digital detoxes, and consuming nutritious foods, drinks, and snacks.
In short, it’s about being kind to yourself, self-aware, and mindful of self-care.
