Top Tips 2020 – 5 Tips on how to create a safe and healthy environment while working from home

Article provided by the Springfield-Greene County Health Department

The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, work and play. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is encouraging strategies like working from home to help slow the transmission of the Coronavirus in our community. Social distancing (staying at least six-feet from others), washing hands, regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces and not shaking hands are additional ways to help decrease the spread.

As more and more employees begin working from home, here are some tips on how to create a safe and healthy environment:

1. Set a schedule. Our 24/7 culture makes it difficult to unplug and this can take a toll on us mentally and physically. Having hours set for when to work and when to call it a day will help keep a healthy work-life balance. As part of your daily schedule stick with a morning routine, set your alarm clock, eat a healthy breakfast and get dressed as if you were going into work.
2. Stay connected. Connections to family and friends during this challenging time is very important. While you may be physically distant, you can stay emotionally connected. If you have a friend or co-worker who you always have coffee or lunch with, set up a virtual date with them to stay connected. Also, stay connected with teammates or co-workers by setting up a weekly check-in call, to get work updates and make sure everyone is healthy!
3. Get comfortable. One of the best ways to maintain a work/home boundary is to set up a dedicated work area. Find a space that promotes productivity! Find an area in your house that is quiet, away from distractions, yet has everything you need within reach. If possible, find a space with a window, natural light has many benefits like increasing the production of the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin, improves sleep, and overall health and well-being. It may take some trial and error to figure out what area of your home is the best spot.
4. Take care of yourself! Focus on daily self-care habits to support a healthy immune system by eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, maintaining an exercise routine, managing stress, and minimizing alcohol consumption.
   Take a break and go outside and get some fresh air. Use the time you normally spend driving to and from work or your lunch break to step away from the computer and go for a walk or run. If walking or running isn’t your thing, pull up a workout routine or video. Physical activity is linked to greater alertness, increased productivity, better sleep and less stress.
   Several of us may be experiencing fear and worry about the coronavirus and it is important to cope with this stress in a healthy way. Take care of your mental health by making time to unwind and do activities you enjoy. Also, practice deep breathing exercise, yoga or meditation and take a break from watching, reading, or listening to the news including social media.
5. Protect yourself. One of the best ways to fight the Coronavirus is to practice good hygiene. Keep your house clean by performing routine cleanings. Regularly clean all frequently touched surfaces in your home, such as keyboards, telephones, remote controls, light switches and doorknobs. Clean surfaces with a disinfectant detergent or soap and water. Also, make sure that you are washing your hands often. And avoid touching your face. Also, know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you or a family member experience a fever over 100.4, cough or shortness of breath, call your physician. If you or your family member is sick stay home.

For more information and for the latest updates, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus.

Interested in learning more about Worksite Wellness and how to improve the health and well-being of employees? For more information or to enroll, visit health.springfieldmo.gov/worksite or contact Julie Viele at jviele@springfieldmo.gov or (417) 864-2077.