Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It allows for a greater level of flexibility and can often lead to a better work-life balance. However, it also has made it difficult for many remote workers to stay healthy, life insurance agents included.
Which is sad because life insurance agents know better than anybody else outside of the medical field about the importance of good health. Maintaining good health is important for everyone, and life insurance agents are no exception. Good health can help individuals feel better, be more productive, and have a higher quality of life. It also greatly effects what coverage options are available for their own life insurance. How many policies have had inordinate premiums or not been able to be written at all because of poor health? How many clients have they seen die young because of health issues that were preventable?
Negative Effects of Working at Home on Health
Here are some ways working at home can be negative on your health as a life insurance agent.
Lack Of Physical Activity
When you work from home, you may not have the same opportunities for physical activity as you would if you were commuting to an office or working in a more active environment. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can increase the risk of health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Poor Ergonomics
Working from home can also make it difficult to maintain proper ergonomics, which can lead to musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This can be due to using an improper workspace setup, such as sitting at a desk that is too high or using a laptop without a proper keyboard and mouse.
Stress and isolation
Working from home can also be isolating and may increase stress levels. This can lead to problems such as anxiety and depression, which can have negative impacts on overall health and well-being.
How to Stay Healthy When Working from Home
Here are some tips for staying healthy while working from home.
Create A Dedicated Workspace
It's important to have a specific area in your home that is designated for work. This will help to reduce distractions and allow you to focus on your work. It will also help you to separate your work life from your personal life, which is important for maintaining a healthy balance.
Take Breaks
Working from home can often lead to longer hours, as there is no clear separation between work and leisure time. It's important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This can include taking a short walk, stretching, or doing some light exercise.
Get Up and Move Around
Sitting at a desk all day can lead to muscle aches and other health problems. Make an effort to get up and move around throughout the day. This could include going for a walk during lunch, doing some stretching exercises, or simply standing up and stretching every hour or so. You might also try to set up a home gym with equipment like dumbbells, a yoga mat, or a stationary bike. This can provide a convenient way to get in a workout during the day. You can try doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges during breaks or after work. These exercises can be done anywhere with no equipment required. You could even take a yoga or pilates class online. Many studios offer virtual classes that can be taken from the comfort of your own home.
Stay Hydrated
It's easy to get dehydrated when working from home, especially if you are so focused on your work that you forget to drink water. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Eat Healthy
Working from home can often lead to unhealthy eating habits, as it's easier to snack on unhealthy foods when they are readily available. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals and limit your intake of junk food. Planning your meals and snacks in advance can help you make healthier choices. Consider prepping some healthy meals or snacks on the weekends so you have them on hand during the week. Keep healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, or veggies within easy reach so you can easily grab them when you're hungry. This can help prevent you from reaching for less healthy options.
Get Enough Sleep
It's important to get enough sleep to maintain good health. Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule and aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night. One way to make sleeping easier is to create a sleep friendly environment! Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Use a comfortable mattress and pillows and consider using earplugs or a white noise machine if there is a lot of noise in your environment.
Practice Good Hygiene
It's easy to get lax with personal hygiene when working from home, but it's important to continue to practice good hygiene to maintain good health. This includes washing your hands frequently and brushing your teeth and showering regularly.
Get Some Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight can help to boost your mood and energy levels. If possible, try to get some natural sunlight by opening windows or stepping outside for a few minutes each day. Remember, as a remote life insurance agent, you can work from anywhere. Bring your laptop and phone to the beach or the park and bask in the sun while you make sales calls.
Stay Connected
Working from home can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Try to stay connected with your colleagues and friends through virtual meetings or phone calls. If you’re a Real Financial iKon, hit up the live dial room and don’t be a stranger in Slack. Nobody understands the struggles of a life insurance agent better than other agents. We have support systems in place to look out for one another. Take advantage of that!
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you can help to maintain good health while working from home. It's important to remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your health, even when you are working remotely.
If you are considering becoming an agent or if you are thinking about changing companies, Real Financial would love to have you on our team.
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