One of the set-backs of working at home can be weight gain - the dreaded spread of every office working American. This seems to just happen overnight while we sleep at least it did to me. One day as I was getting dressed, I couldn’t seem to get the zipper up on my pants (or perhaps it was due to the fact that I had been wearing jogging pants every day). I thought to myself well I must have shrunk them in the dryer. Then I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and wondered where did that “back porch” come from. It wasn’t there the other day!
I soon realized that by working from home I wasn’t burning as many calories as I used to when I worked in the corporate world. I didn’t have to walk from my car to my office (now I only have to walk down a hallway) and I wasn’t walking around the office building. I also didn’t have to get dressed up in office attire. I can throw on a pair of jogging pants and sweatshirt and I’m ready for work.
I decided I needed to take action immediately, so I joined Weight Watchers. I like the support I get from attending the meetings and they are always sharing great recipes. I am doing the “core plan” which really works for me. I don’t count points which I would hate to do every day. I just eat lean meats, fruits and vegetables. I do stay away from bad carbs such as white potatoes, white bread, pasta, rice, etc. Yes, I have seen success.
It’s also important for everyone to get some exercise every day. One of the advantages of working from home is having the freedom to schedule exercise into your day. Mark it on your calendar just as you would any other appointment and then do it! I find I have to go for a walk at least one hour a day. It gives me the chance to get out of my office and enjoy the fresh air. It also gives me the time to let my mind wander and have some peace and quiet.
You may be wondering why I am writing about health on my business blog. There have been a vast amount of studies performed and many articles have been written that exercise not only improves one’s life, but also allows individuals to be more productive. Many large corporations have taken this advice and now offer their employees health club memberships and monetary incentives to stay in shape. They have also realized that their health insurance costs have declined. Just because you are in business for yourself, why not follow the role of large corporations?
If you design a plan that fits your lifestyle, you will be much happier with yourself. Remember, you are the most important asset of your business, so take care of yourself. I found that I have more energy, can think clearer, and accomplish more during the day by taking one hour for myself. If you invest time in yourself, you will reap the rewards and in turn so will your family.
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You are so right about this! I’m more productive on those days when I take an hour or so to get out of the office to walk the dog or take a spin on the bike. It also goes a long way toward getting a decent night’s sleep - which also translates into higher productivity the next day.