Why Being Active Matters to Remote Workers

The comforts and conveniences of working from home sometimes have taken a serious toll in terms of the sedentary aspects of remote work. No daily commutes, little movement between meetings, and hours upon hours at a desk were not what a remote employee had in store for themselves. Staying physically active is crucial to maintaining physical and mental well-being.

1. Physical Health Benefits

Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to everything from back and neck pains to serious diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Frequent movements throughout the day, whether with small stretches, walks, or workouts, can help offset this long period of sitting. It helps your blood circulate better, relaxes muscles, and raises your energy level so that you will feel more alert and attentive.

2. Boosts Mental Health

While good for the body, in general, exercising is equally good for the mind. Physical activity releases endorphins, so-called "feel-good" hormones. These improve your mood by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Remote workers often face isolation and mental fatigue, which means incorporating regular exercise into their daily routines can be of even greater benefit. The mere act of going out for a 10-minute walk will improve your mood and cognitive functions to help you stay productive throughout the day.

3. Increased Productivity

Keeping active sharpens your focus and concentration. If you take brief moments to move your body, that gives your brain just a little time to reboot and better solve problems or be more creative once you've hunkered down to work. Besides, incorporating movement throughout the day can help avoid what's called an "afternoon slump" by keeping your productivity level up.

4. Easy Ways to Stay Active

Simple habits include standing while on a call, stretching exercises during breaks, or using a standing desk. Incorporating some kind of regular exercise, like yoga in the morning or evening walks, makes quite a difference in how physically and mentally well you feel.

Exercise is an important activity for remote workers to maintain health and to improve their mental being for better productivity levels.