Many of us struggle with our energy levels in the winter.
It can be hard to get out of bed in the morning when it’s still dark outside. You might feel tired, even after a good night’s sleep, and you might spend dull dark days feeling sluggish and tired.
Wintertime can also affect our mental health. A lack of natural light, winter bugs, cold weather and the stress of the season can leave you feeling depressed or struggling with a low mood. Which, in turn, makes you more tired.
This can be intensified if you work from home. As a blogger, freelancer or small business owner, you might spend a lot of your time working alone in a home office. People that leave the house to work have to get up. They have to go out.
They are forced to get fresh air and exercise, whether they feel like it or not. When you work from home, you might not have a routine. You might spend days largely on your own.
You might not need to leave the house at all, and you might not have much contact with the outside world.
The temptation to have a nap when you hit an afternoon slump can be very real, and you might find that low energy levels mean that you struggle to complete work, or enjoy your days.
Below is a look at some of the ways that you can boost your energy levels in winter when you work from home.
Stick to a Routine
A routine can be a big help when it comes to boosting your energy levels. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and your body will get used to it. You’ll fall asleep and wake up more easily and feel more well-rested when you get up.
Eat Well
A big problem that home workers have is their diet.
Many home workers gain weight, partly because they move less, but also because they eat unhealthy snacks and reach for the biscuit tin whenever they get tired. In the winter, it’s all too easy to reach for comfort food and sugary snacks to boost your mood and energy levels.
But, this isn’t usually effective and tends to lead to a slump later on.
Instead, eat healthy meals. Add variety to your diet and learn how to make pupusas here.
Prepare healthy snacks for when you are in a rush and try to think more about what you are putting into your body, instead of just opting for quick and easy.
Take Regular Breaks
If you are struggling with energy, you might find it hard to focus, leading to frustration and making things worse.
Take regular short breaks, get out of the office, and have a drink, and you might feel better.
Add Light
A well-lit office space will make it easier to stay alert as you work. Ideally, you want natural light, so try to position your desk by a window. In the Winter, light from outside probably won’t be enough, so add a lamp to your desk so you can control the light over your workspace.
If you’re worried about your electricity bill with having extra lights on, look at different light companies to find a more affordable price.
Drink Lots of Water
Water can be a significant energy boost. Drink water throughout the day, and you’ll feel happier, more alert and more energetic.
