Freelance Friday: 8 Tips for Freelancers to Stay Healthy and Happy
October 28th, 2016 by
This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancing. If you are a freelance writer and are looking for additional work, consider applying at Search Influence.
Freelancing can be tough on the mind and body. For the most part, you are sitting down all day staring at a computer screen—but you are not relegated to a sedentary lifestyle! In order to stay fresh and keep the creative juices flowing, you have keep your mind and body focused and healthy. Here are 8 tips for freelancers to stay happy and healthy.
1: Minimize Sitting Time
Freelance work often means long hours at a desk staring at a computer. Sitting for that long does not do any favors for your health. Standing desks have become more and more common in the past few years and are a great to way to get on your feet. You can also use workplace interventions to reduce sitting time. Try standing during phone calls and taking breaks every 30 minutes.
2: When You Do Sit, Sit Properly
When you do have to sit, it is important to be conscious about how you are sitting and your posture. Doctors recommend sitting up straight and not leaning forward towards the computer. Also, focus on bending your knees at right angles and avoid crossing them, while you feet rest flat on the floor.
3: 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.
4: Stretch and Exercise at Your Desk
To combat the potential negative effects of this sedentary lifestyle, you need to stretch and exercise at your desk whenever you can. Arm, neck, and shoulder stretches are easy and essential for comfort, while knee bends, jumping jacks, and wall squats require a bit more room, but will work wonders for how your body feels throughout the day. Even something as simple as fidgeting can be beneficial. Check out this article for even more exercises you can do at or near your desk.
5: Hydrate
Coffee maybe the fuel that drives freelancers, but water is even more important for your body. Improper hydration can result in fatigue, headaches, and an inability to focus. If you are like me and find water too boring and without taste, try adding lemon, mint, or cucumber to you water, or opting for tea as the ideal choice in-between powerful coffee and boring water.
6: Healthy Snacks
Everyone likes snacking while they work. Keeping healthier snacks in your home office can not only curb hunger, but can also keep you energized throughout the day. Granola bars, cheese, fruit, veggies, etc. are some easy-to-store snacks to have on-hand to help you avoid fatty foods and sugary sweets that will make you sluggish.
7: Set Strict Working Hours
Just because you are working from home, doesn’t mean you can overwork yourself. Treating your freelancing like normal, everyday job is important to maintaining a proper work-life balance. Work when you have to work, enjoy your home like normal when you are not.
8: Leave Work in Your Workspace
Same goes for where you work. Set up a designated workspace and restrict your work to that space only. Don’t do work in your bed or on the couch in front of the TV. Keep the stress and hectic activity of work out of your everyday homelife.
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The 20-20-20 rule is GENIUS! You seriously don’t realize how much your eyes are strained until you step away from the screen, which like…only happens once in a blue moon.