Can working from home benefit your health? It’s a possibility.
Many people who work from home claim it was the solution they needed to lower their stress and achieve a better work-life balance. Having a flexible schedule helps them worry less, take it easy when they need to, and open up free time to take better care of themselves.
However, a study on telecommuters revealed that working remotely could have a detrimental impact on mental and physical health.
There is no single answer as to whether or not you should work at home to benefit your health. Rather, take a look at how remote work can potentially affect your health for better or for worse:
The Health Benefits of Working from Home
Working from home is believed to be the future of employment. It brings a multitude of benefits traditional work can’t compete with, many of which can positively influence your health.
Zero Commute Time
Without having to battle morning rush hour, you can sleep a little later and avoid nerve-wracking traffic. Also, you don’t have to invest as much time and effort in physical appearance.
Flexible Schedule
Your life should work around your schedule. Being at home means you have more freedom and control over your daily activities.
Healthy Eating Habits
Working at home means you can have healthy foods within arms reach at all times. You’re less likely to visit the vending machine or grab fast food when you work from home.
Boosted Productivity
When you get enough rest, eat better, and stress less, productivity becomes a natural by-product.
Job Satisfaction
Being stressed out and anxious can make you eventually resent your job, which could lead to a poor work-life balance.
In some cases, the job the problem. In other occasions, eliminating minor issues with a job can help you better enjoy your work.
Alternative Health Choices
Procuring medicinal cannabis from places like Apollo Medical Center is perfectly legal. However, working in a traditional on-site environment may prevent you from reaping its full benefits.
The benefits of medicinal cannabis and other alternative treatments are becoming more recognized. Unfortunately, there still a large gray area regarding medicinal cannabis and the workplace.
Potential Health Pitfalls of Remote Working
It’s not all sunshine and roses for the work-at-home camp. In some cases, remote work can negatively impact your health.
Home Life Stress Increases
Working on-site means your household chores are out of sight and out of mind. However, when you’re at home, the to-do’s can quickly pile up and distract you from your work.
You Feel Isolated
You don’t get the benefit of feeling like part of a team when you’re in a home office of one. Some people lose their motivation. Others may feel they’re not able to do their best work.
Some people need the interaction of others to succeed. Working alone may lead to depression, insecurity, and anxiety.
Work-Life Balance Decreases
In some cases, blurring the lines between work and home life can actually lower your work-life balance. You may feel like you’re never out of “work mode” because you never leave the office.
Stay Healthy From Home!
Working from home impacts each person in a different way. Although many people experience a positive change in mental and physical health, there’s no guarantee that you will see the same results.
Before you invest in a major career change, make sure you weigh the benefits and downsides to make the best decision for your health.
For more insight into the work-from-home lifestyle, visit our online resources.