Are You a Healthy Freelancer?
Freelancers Heed! You can be your very own nemesis. When your work habits are getting in the way of your health, you’re in for a serious trouble. As a freelancer, you rely too much on your computer to make a living. In fact, you are married to it like a person does. If you’re not watching yourself closely in the mirror, your poor lifestyle choices can definitely take a huge toll. Are you willing to pay the price?
How You Can Stay Healthy as a Freelancer
If your body can speak, it will scream. Try listening to it. Are you suffering any pain recently? Trouble getting sleep? Gaining weight too quick? Don’t miss these signs. As the adage goes: an ounce of prevention is worth more than a cure. Here are ways you can correct your bad habits before it’s too late:
1. Get Quality Sleep
A good night’s sleep means a good morning. Did you know that the most common cause of road accident is lack of sleep? You can focus more on tasks when your mind and body are well rested. You can always try the alternative route before you see a sleep doctor to help you out.
2. Move It!
As in, move and flex those stiff muscles. If you are working for more than 8 hours a day, you have a higher chance of acquiring RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury. When health insurance is hard to come by as a freelancer, the last thing you want is to experience prolonged pain in your shoulders, arms, neck, or legs. Whenever you feel burned out with what you do, take a break. Even a 10-minute work-out can do wonders.
3. Eat Well
When you’re freelancing, it’s very tempting to grab anything within reach and munch it without care. It’s like sitting in front of your TV. There’s nothing wrong with food, but how you choose your food matters. Start doing a makeover of your snacks and go for those that are organic and rich in antioxidants. Your brain need all the boosts so make sure you eat healthy. There’s nothing wrong with snacking, as long as you go for foods that are free from chemicals and food preservatives. Besides, you are what you eat!
4. Hydrate
Your body is 70% water and you need pure water in order to keep your brains and other vital organs working. Sometimes, when you feel the urge to eat, it’s your body’s way of telling you that you are thirsty. Having a brain fog? Try drinking a glass of cold water to freshen you up. It’s not only good for your mind, but it can help you burn fats as well.
5. Love Ergonomics
Did you know that the way you sit in your work chair has an effect on how you work? Keeping proper posture is vital when you are working in front of your PC for a very long time. If you want to keep headaches, muscle pains, and back problems away – try investing in an ergonomic chair that gives you comfort and support. Ideally, your computer monitor should be placed at eye level. You can also try using mouse pads with wrist rest.
6. Go Alternative
From ending the freelance job you hate to taking a road trip to alternative health lane, if it makes you feel good – do it. Sometimes, a simple change can freshen up your perspective and keep you motivated. If you feel like a slug or tired like a dog, you can always pamper yourself to an aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, meditation classes, Yoga, Tai Chi, or a soothing massage. Even a dose of laughter can perk you up.
Being a healthy freelancer matters most so you can be your very best. When competition is on a global scale and the pressure to shine is at its peek, the last thing you want is to get sick. Under pressure? Take a break. Do something fun. Invest in a lifestyle change. It’s all about managing stress that will save your freelancing days.
Do you have health tips for your fellow freelancers out there? Please feel free to share on the comments below.
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Something Interesting:
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