Creating a routine that’s right for you may be a bit more of a challenge when working from home – the temptations can be found left and right. The refrigerator, the bed, the TV, and the pantry are all within reach that sometimes it can be impossible to say no.

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Obviously, this can take a toll on your health because the lack of exercise and the unbalanced diet might be doing you more harm than you realize. Here are some easy lifestyle changes you can do for your health when you’re working from home.

1. Create a schedule that includes simple exercises

Design a schedule that involves moving around if your work entails facing the computer for most parts of the work day. A simple 5-10 minute walk, for example, can do wonders both for your body and for your eyes. Spending a good 10 minutes on stretching is better than nothing, too! Treat exercise as if you would a meal at the start of your day: absolutely necessary. Don’t skip it as much as possible, and you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Designate a space in your home for work

Don’t be tempted to work in bed just because you can. This makes it easier for you to feel lethargic and exhausted. Plus there’s always the danger of falling asleep while working! This doesn’t just affect your health, but it also slows down productivity.

To be less distracted and more efficient, create your ideal workspace: a comfortable chair? A stand up desk? It’s all up to you, as long as you’re not lying down and cuddling your cat!

3. Set a meal plan and stick to it.

Working from home means having to prepare your own meals. And this might be challenging at first, especially if you’re used to eating out in the middle of the day with your workmates. Finding the time to prepare, cook and clean up after eating might also pose a problem if you have limited time. The best way to solve this is to create a well-balanced meal plan on the weekends, pre-cook your meals (as much as possible) and stick to it.

4. And we mean a well-balanced meal plan with fruits and vegetables.

Don’t just stick to a diet of pre-packaged meals chock-full of sodium and other preservatives. Just because they’re easy to prepare, doesn’t mean they’re good for you. There are simple but healthier dishes that you can prepare with ingredients that will give you the right amount of energy for the work you need to fulfill. Think fruits, vegetables, and protein.

5. Ditch the junk food altogether.

It’s easier to avoid temptation if it isn’t there at all. The next time you make a grocery run, replace chips and dip with carrots or celery. You can still take the dip, but at least you’re snacking on something more productive for your health.

6. Make sure to get enough sleep.

Being at home and skipping commute time doesn’t excuse you from staying up late and marathoning Netflix all night. Take advantage of the extra time you have to making sure you get enough rest for the next day (it’s a privilege!). Being at home doesn’t make the actual work less taxing, and enough sleep makes you perform your very best the next day.

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