Health Tips for Freelancers

Office-based workers do not have much liberty to give their body rest while at work, like taking a break from eye strain or backpain especially if the demand of your output is so high or when meeting a deadline. Most suffered stress and developed diseases as its consequence. Unlike freelancers, they have the freedom to choose or to accept job that suits their schedule. Even so, there are still freelancing job that needed so much attention and necessitate for you to stay focused for some time. (Oh, just my assumption, though I have not started my own yet. But what I have right now is complying all the requirements of the course and it takes a lot my time that I could not finish one portfolio in one seating.)

As such, here are some health tips that I would like to share with you all. I sourced this out from FVA Consultancy webpage. It is one of my reads now that I am enrolled in one their courses and I feel like apportioning you of the information.

10 Health Tips for Freelancers

Written for FVA by: Kathy Cabradilla (Licensed Financial Advisor and Property Consultant, FVA Batch 10, FVA Coach)

Working home based is one of the most preferred jobs these days but it is very easy to lose motivation and it can lead to unproductive and unhealthy routine. Working at your own pace can be very tempting to television and fridge with unlimited snacks and breaks.

How will you get motivated to focus and to be healthy while working home-based? Always remember your WHY’s as your first motivation. (Why did you choose freelancing as a career). Second, you need to have effective strategies to set yourself to become productive.

1. Set Your Working Schedule

This is one of the most important strategies that must not be overlooked. Without proper schedule management, very few people can function at an optimal level. Get enough rest and sleep at night and have a checklist on your to-do list. It will help you to prioritize work, organize your task and discipline.

2. Take a Bath and Get Dressed

Staying on your pajamas without taking a bath can be one of the worst ways to start your home-working day. Every time you take a shower, visualize washing away your stress and anxiety. Feel sadness, regret, anger and depression washing right off of you. Let it all go down the drain, you’ll start to feel lighter and much clearer. Then wear something comfortable that will help you for the right frame for your work.

3. Simple Desk Exercise

Once you start working from home, there’s a tendency of long hours sitting and this is very unhealthy. It weakens the core; it creates tension in the neck, shoulders, back and hips; it can create strain injury in the wrists; and it decreases blood circulation in the legs, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. To prevent these issues, you need to do some desk exercises. Stand up and stretch regularly, simple leg and arm movements and closing your eyes for a while and looking at green color objects/scene.

4. Quick Break and Fresh Air

It’s easy not to take breaks and just do your work straight, but you will get more done if you pause at regular intervals. Ideally you should take a break every 90 minutes to 2 hours. Force yourself to go outside for a quick walk, do a simple stretch, or even just make yourself a coffee and listen to the radio for 10 minutes. The important thing is to remove yourself from your work for regular, short intervals to give your eyes and head a rest.

5. Reduce Eye Strain

Staring at a computer screen for several continuous hours can lead to eyestrain and fatigue. For those who work all day on the computer, experts recommend employing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at an object at least 20 feet away from your screen.

6. Eating Healthy

Healthy food and snacks throughout the day can transform your productivity immensely. Most freelancers just want coffee in the morning but you need to force yourself to eat something like fruits, nuts, energy bars, and cereals. Most of us don’t have time for a long lunch, but it’s important to at least schedule a small break to refuel with a healthy snack.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

This is a constant reminder for all of us even if when we were kids. It’s crazy right? But we get so caught up in what we’re doing and often mistake thirst for hunger. Without proper hydration, your brain will not function properly and you’ll get tired easily.

8. Invest in a Desk and Good Office Chair

If you’re sitting down for most of the time, a quality chair will support your posture (as long as you stop slouching), can reduce the risk of back and neck pain, and relieve pressure on your hips. Generally, you’ll find it much more comfortable, and this will boost your productivity.

9. Adopt a Dog Or Pet

This is not an option for all, but it’s great for improving your organizational skills, fitness and general well-being. A dog is also hugely beneficial for relieving the isolation and monotony of working from home. You’ll have to get up and out for regular walks in the fresh air. This will boost your serotonin, get the circulation going and keep you active.

10. Connect with Virtual Friends

It’s important to have some social connection, even in the absence of co-workers. Maintaining healthy social connections improves your overall well-being and helps you stay motivated. Be part of the FVA family and be blessed with every aspect of your life.

Remember even if we work long hours, success is not an overnight process so why bother yourself waste time and energy. Always practice work-life balance and stay healthy!

Freelancing or home-based jobs can be very relaxed and comfortable but remember that HEALTH is our greatest wealth to enjoy quality of life.