The impact of pandemic-related restrictions has made working from home a usual setting for most people. Working from home seems fun for a day or two but prolonged work from home may take a toll on health. In May 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that long working hours have been increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke. We are all aware working remotely is one of the effective measures to avoid the spread of the virus, we cannot forego it and hence it is important to take into consideration the problems being faced and take measures to take care of our health.
This World Heart Day, Vinit Kapahi, Head of Marketing, Aviva India suggests ways to take care of your heart in the prevailing work from the home era.
Eating Healthy
What you eat affects your body so having a healthy diet is a must to ensure a healthy heart. Ensure your diet comprises nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. While you might be tempted to grab a handful of chips or some chocolate to binge on while working. It is for your own greater good to replace these snacks with dry fruits and fruits.
- Take out some time to exercise
Everyone is bogged down by work and hectic schedules, but it is critical to engage in a moderate workout regularly. Even if you can’t include an extensive workout in your routine, throughout your workday, look for reasons to stand up and move, yoga and simple exercises like sit-ups, push-ups don’t need any equipment are also less time consuming and effective exercises. Walking has been shown to improve mood, stimulate creativity, and enhance focus, making it an all-around win for your health and productivity.
- Take breaks To quote multiple authors, “Take a break, before you break!” Sitting in the same posture for hours together will do no good to your body. Walking from one room to the other to have a quick chat with family members can do wonders in maintaining a healthy heart. For professions involving a lot of screen time, it always helps to set a timer for a break to disconnect at regular intervals, take a short walk, stretch, drink water or green tea before getting back to work.
- Avoid Overworking and stressing Mental health and physical well-being are linked with each other. With the pandemic, situations can easily get overwhelming. Too much stress increases the activity in an area of the brain that processes emotions, causing strain on the heart, which creates a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Try to manage your stress level by practicing yoga and meditation. Small steps like these each day can lead to big strides toward better heart health. Working from home is a big change, and it can take time to get used to the shift in your lifestyle. The best way to go about it is to make small changes and stay consistent to see a positive effect in the long run. The chances are that your colleagues, friends, or family might also be working from home: check in with them and share tips to take care of their heart’s health.
