Freelancing may seem like an escape from the hectic office routine. 9 to 5 job workers suppose freelancers as the luckiest people on earth because they work in the comfort and their conditions at home. Freelancing has many benefits no doubt, like; adaptability, freedom, and command over your work.
However, in reality, freelancing is a challenging job. Like any job, it also has its drawbacks that can impact your well-being. This lifestyle can lead to laziness, boredom, and even weight gain if the freelancers do not care for themselves properly and cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although your mind is engaged, your body still demands physical activity. It’s important to put first your overall health for a successful freelance career.
if you are a freelancer and facing the same situation, then don’t have to go anywhere, here is how can you keep your body, mind, and soul active during the long hours at home.
Stressors Which Influence Freelancers
Freelancing is like a rollercoaster, it’s a series of unplanned schedules, income instabilities, and extensive periods of isolation. Opposite to the on-site workers who have fixed working hours, freelancers often find themselves struggling with many issues like; unlimited hours to meet client demands, workload, stress, sleep disorders, and exhaustion. The solitariness, common in freelancing, heightens sensations of loneliness and affects those who like social interaction.
The unstable economic conditions of freelancing can cause consequential stress, as the uncertainty of the next earnings overhangs. The factor that hits freelancers badly is health issues. Giving priority to self-care isn’t just about feeling great; it’s important for sustaining good health and productive work.
Self-care approaches support to keep balance and control in life. They increase productivity and overall job fulfillment. Let’s explore how to maintain a healthy lifestyle!
Self-Care Strategies for Freelancers
Self-care is the most important aspect of our lives. If someone neglects it, especially freelancers, because they have to work at home, spending unlimited hours in front of the screen, then it can have worse effects on physical and mental well-being. So, put self-care at the top of your priorities list. Here are some ways to stay fit while working at home.
Focus on Your Diet
Your eating habits play a crucial role in maintaining fitness. Eating anytime anywhere often leads to unhealthy eating habits. Skipping meals or consuming fast food has now become common. Cooking at home or hiring a cook, can make a significant difference. Choose a healthy diet, that provides you with essential nutrients. Reduce the use of processed and junk food. Plan your meal time and stick to it, don’t eat too much. Remember that your food preferences directly impact your energy levels.
Take Proper Sleep
Getting proper sleep is essential for your overall health. Poor sleep can lead to somatic pain, increased stress, memory deficits, and more. To improve your sleep you have to avoid caffeine, create a peaceful environment in the bedroom, set a proper sleep time, and seek help from a therapist for sleep disorders.
Stay Hydrated
Freelancers often forget to drink water, during work. which can lead to different health problems. Dehydration can cause a lot of issues like fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. Make it a habit to consume enough water throughout the day. always keep a water bottle at your desk. You can also consume fruit juices to hydrate yourself. Don’t use cold drinks like soda, which can contribute to dehydration.
Disconnect from Devices
Take breaks after some time. some people take a short break during work and start scrolling mobile to access their social sites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. If you also do this, then stop it. It affects your productivity, distracts you from your goal, wastes your precious time, and increases anxiety. so instead of scrolling mobile. Stand up and go out for a walk.
Set Boundaries
Freelancers often feel the pressure to be always open for work. This can negatively impact your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Establish boundaries by, Planning regular vacations, Taking weekends off, Maintaining fixed work hours, Designing a dedicated workspace, and Avoiding work-related emails on weekends or after specific hours.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is essential to stay fit and healthy. When you spend most of your time sitting in one place, it will be mandatory for you to do some physical exercise if you want to stay healthy. You don’t need to go to the gym and do a heavy workout. You can just walk regularly or do some lightweight exercise, you will notice magical impacts on your health. Although it is challenging to fit exercise into your busy schedule, once you make it a habit you can have lasting impacts on your health.
Avoid Working from Bed
Working while sitting in bed may comfort you, but it can harm your sleep quality and posture. Electronic devices radiate blue light that interrupts sleep, and working in bed may lead to poor posture and muscle pain. Set up a specified office space in your home to maintain a clear work-life boundary.
Connect with Others
Freelancers sometimes feel loneliness, which can impact their mood and influence their performance. So, if you are facing the same problem then you have to establish a social circle for yourself. A healthy social circle contributes to happiness. You can plan different activities with your friends and family. These activities can release work stress, make you happy, and create a balance in your life.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing can be challenging, with unsettled work hours, solitariness, and consistent pressure. Self-care isn’t just important for freelancers; it’s a must. You can make self-care a basis of your freelance life by adopting healthy work habits, prioritizing health, through relaxation techniques, and following personal interests. Remember that your health is the most precious asset you have, and by taking care of it, you strengthen not only your quality of life but also your productivity at work and can become a successful freelancer. Make an oath to prioritize self-care because a healthy freelancer is a successful one.
So, instead of just working or doing other activities at home, go out and explore something great. It improves your physical and mental well-being. Nature offers a more beautifying experience than window shopping, and it’s a wonderful way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle as a freelancer.
