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So many of us have had to adjust to working from home the last few months, but as Covid-10 lockdowns begin to ease, many of us will find ourselves readjusting back to being based in the office again. Whilst we’re slowly, but surely, getting back to normal, it is important to remember that coronavirus hasn’t gone, meaning that it is important now more than ever to look after yourself and keep your healthy.
Whilst it is recommended that you continue to maintain social distancing, wearing face coverings and wash your hands regularly, here are some other ways you can stay healthy when you return to work.
Avoid gathering in groups
The easiest and most likely way for Covid-19 to spread is from person-to-person, particularly in close contact. Social distancing is as important now as ever and, if you are heading back into an office environment, you need to be following this for both yours and your colleague’s health and wellbeing.
Limiting face-to-face contact when you return to the office is the best way to protect you and your colleagues, especially as a large number of people have the virus without realising it due to being asymptomatic. Your employer should look at redesigning your office space to that six-feet is between you and your colleagues at all times and busy or communal used areas, such as meeting rooms and kitchens, have guidance in terms of how they are used.
Eat sensibly
When you return back to the office, try to be more aware of the foods you are eating. After months of working from home, your pre-Covid work routine is likely completely disrupted. You might be used to eating breakfast slightly later, or having lunch a little earlier than usual, so you need to try and re-adjust your routine so that you aren’t eating at different times of the day, affecting your concentration levels or over/under-eating.
Preparing your meals at home is one of the best ways you can monitor what you’re eating whilst adjusting back into office life and means that you’re less likely to need to go out for your lunch, or use busy communal areas. It also means that you can prepare healthy, nutritious lunches so that not only are you fuelling your body properly, but ensuring that you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals your body needs to fight off illnesses. If you feel as though you’re lacking in certain vitamins or minerals, consult with your doctor. You may want to consider taking supplements such as magnesium tablets or multivitamins, especially if you are feeling tired or fatigued.
Take regular breaks
Returning to the office might mean that you’re more driven to complete your work, or you’re finding yourself forming healthier habits now that you’re no longer working from home, but it is very important that you take regular breaks as and when you can. Whilst there is nothing wrong with wanting to catch up on your work or complete as much as possible, you need to do it in manageable amounts so that you don’t suffer from a burnout.
Whether you take a break every hour or so to refill your water bottle or head outside for a quick walk to get some fresh air, by adding some breaks into your regular routine, you will feel much more productive and relaxed about being back at work.
Think about office hygiene
Whilst surface-to-person transmission isn’t the biggest culprit when it comes to the spread of Covid-19, there is potential for contaminated droplets to be on the frequently touched surfaces around the office. You can limit your chances of infection by regularly washing your hands and trying to not touch your face during the day, but you should also be aware of hygiene around the office.
By identifying high-touch surfaces in the office, you can limit your contact or consider implementing a disinfection strategy after each use. High-touch office points include:
- Lift buttons
- Printers
- Vending machines
- Microwaves, fridges and coffee machines
- Door handles
- Light switches
If everyone sanitises or uses disinfectant spray before and after they use these areas, you can make sure that everyone is staying safe.
How Health Impacts Productivity
Just as the day-to-day stress of your job can take its toll, the worry of returning back into the office following Covid-19 can have effects on your productivity, motivation and overall mental health. By staying as healthy as you can, you’re not only protecting yourself and your workplace from a potential Covid-19 outbreak, but you’re also looking after your general health and wellbeing.
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