Staying healthy in a hybrid world

Flexible work is here to stay- Anonymous

The worst of Term Which Shall Not Be Named cough-COVID-cough has long since passed. But some things have not changed. One of these things is hybrid lifestyles. Whether it is schooling or working, hybrid lifestyles have become the new normal for many of us. But with reduced commutes for some, longer work hours seated in front of screens for many, returning to the office for others, and online grocery shopping; how do we stay healthy and moving?

The extended period of working from home enabled us to manage our health concerns and general wellness in our own time, in our own ways during the working week: virtual doctor’s appointments, virtual specialist appointments such as dietitians or psychologists. Many people reported an improved work-life balance, as well as getting more physical exercise and finding it easier to eat healthily. These were cherished gains during extraordinarily challenging times – and we don’t want to lose them now that we’re transitioning from the work-from-home mode. But how do we maintain balancing these things now that we can venture out into the world again? 

8 tips to maintain healthy living while hybrid working:

1. Pre-pack snacks such as wholewheat crackers, bran muffins, unsalted nuts, seeds, lean biltong and dried fruit to pop into your bag for work.

2. Vegetable crudités (raw vegetable pieces) or fresh fruit slices can also form part of your work snack box.

3. Pre-prepare lunches, and even breakfasts, beforehand on the weekends or in the evenings.

4. Taking short 10-15 minute walks during breaks, it can be around your block at home or office building.

5. Eat your meals away from your desk- this avoids rushing through the meal, skipping meals and overeating due to increased snacking.

6. Vending machines or tuck shops should offer healthy snack options- i.e. homemade popcorn, unsalted nuts, dried fruits, lean biltong as well as veggie crudités and a variety of dips like hummus and tzatziki, instead of the typical chocolates, sweets and chips.

7. Companies which have canteens should offer healthier meal options such as salads with protein, while-grain carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables.

8. Companies who offer drinks to employees such as coffee, should include tea, decaffeinated options and cold, fresh water.

Now for many, utilising all eight tips might be overwhelming at first. Take it step by step, incorporate 1-2 steps a week, and see how it goes. When you feel comfortable with them, add another step or two into your daily routine. And the best part? Most of these steps can be applied to school-going individuals as well! Many lunchboxes are already compartmentalized so you can pop grapes into one compartment, a sandwich into another, and some carrot sticks into the third. And why give a bottle or can full of fizzy cold drinks when you can give some juice or water?

So let's bring out the healthier choices this upcoming season!

Sources:

• ADSA, https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/329/229898.html

• Bangura, S., & Lourens, M. (2023, July 21). ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF POST-COVID OFFICE HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENT ON EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY: A CASE STUDY OF UNI4 ONLINE WESTVILLE DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA. The Global Public Health Conference. https://doi.org/10.17501/26138417.2023.6106

• Shirmohammadi, M., Au, W. C., & Beigi, M. (2022). Remote work and work-life balance: Lessons learned from the covid-19 pandemic and suggestions for HRD practitioners. Human Resource Development International, 25(2), 163–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2022.2047380

(Bangura & Lourens, 2023)

(Shirmohammadi et al., 2022)