In this current era of COVID-19, many employees around the world have stopped working due to business closures. Others have been temporarily laid off. ​Business Insider​ reported that at the beginning of April, jobless claims in the U.S. were at 6.6 million, which is an all-time high.

Photo, Edgar Castrejon.

If you are one of those millions currently stuck at home, you may be making the most of your time away from your job. It may be a time for you to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and focus on pursuing your hobbies.

With most of us stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, our eating habits have had to change. Meals out have been impossible, and we’ve all been having to eat from home. Most people started to eat healthy, workout, and adjust the living mode. In case if you need some tips you can use this wellness guide, which can help you effectively arrange your time at home and not only in lockdown but also in general in your life.

When the coronavirus lockdowns begin to pass and businesses start opening up again, you’ll inevitably have to get back to the 9 to 5 grind. In mind of that inevitability, here are four tips for staying physically and mentally healthy when you return to work. This way, you can continue your journey of self-improvement; even as a full-time worker.

1. Eat Sensibly & Avoid Indulging: When you are back in the office, be aware of what you put into your body. It can be easy to take advantage of your workplace’s free snacks or to bring your favourite treats from home. Exercise some self-control and consume junk food in moderation. If you aren’t careful, you can develop a habit of mindlessly snacking to pass the time behind your desk. Instead, opt for nutritious snacks whenever you get a case of the munchies. Some good choices include:

— Dried fruit
— Nuts like cashews, peanuts, and almonds
— Guacamole and bell peppers
— Tuna pouches
— Jerky
— Granola

Also, pay attention to what you consume for your lunch. If possible, prepare your meals ahead of time at home and bring them into the office. Not only will you save money, but you will also steer clear of greasy, unhealthy fast food. Whenever you can, eat away from your desk. This way, you will minimise overeating and you can enjoy a well-deserved break.

Photo, Nathan Dumlao.

Photo, Mae Mu.

2. Drink Enough Water: Throughout any given workday, it can be easy to lose track of how much water you drink. You need to consume between six and eight glasses of water a day to remain active and well-hydrated. If you are dehydrated, you won’t be able to perform your best. You will likely feel sluggish, drowsy, and irritable. In severe cases, prolonged dehydration can cause confusion and fainting, which can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

Photo, Craig Whitehead.

To ensure you are drinking enough water, bring a container marked with eight cups and try to drink it all by the end of the workday. Take small sips consistently rather than consuming it all within the first or last hour of your day. As a bonus, drinking water regularly will reduce hunger pangs, which will help you adhere to the first tip. This significant progress resulted in a notable reduction in people lacking essential drinking water services, which decreased from 1.2 billion to 703 million. Emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated not only benefits individual well-being but also aligns with global efforts to improve access to essential drinking water services for a healthier and more sustainable future.

3. Invest in the Proper Footwear: Any job you have will require some degree of standing. Activities like leading business meetings to running casual errands will have you up on your feet for at least part of the day. Footwear 4 Workers​ notes that foot pain can occur due to several factors including obesity, genetics, and poor-quality shoes. Check out their ‘info’ section and you’ll find a gamut of informational articles regarding foot health.

If you are looking to remediate foot pain while you’re at the office, be sure to invest in the right footwear. This way, you will be able to better promote your overall health while at work. If your office requires business attire, you can look into getting a pair of supportive dress shoes, or if you already have a favourite pair that you’d hate to lose, you can use Protalus cushion insoles. If your workplace allows for a more casual appearance, consider getting a pair of comfortable running shoes to help you make it through the day. If you have undergone ankle arthritis treatment, you may require specialist footwear so that you can be comfortable when at work, or when you go out and exercise. Your doctor should be able to advise you on this.

Photo, Kaylah Otto.

4. Take Frequent Breaks: As badly as you want to complete all of your work, you should do your best to break it up into manageable chunks. Take a quick walk to the water cooler or step outside for a breath of fresh air. When you incorporate short breaks into your day, you will experience a sense of rejuvenation and increased productivity.

5. Learn to Manage Stress: Keep track of what situations cause the most stress. Don’t be hesitant to ask your co-workers or supervisor for help. And, most importantly, keep your work and personal lives separate. Establishing boundaries between these two will help you be more productive at work and give you sufficient time to recharge every evening.

Bottom Line: Don’t get too comfortable in quarantine, as we will all eventually fall back into work life.