In this rapidly evolving socio-professional landscape, remote work is the talk of the town. In an ongoing survey, Archinect has learned that an estimated 78% of architectural professionals are working from home or have been given the option to work from home during the current COVID-19 outbreak. As we all tackle this pandemic together, virtual operations has become the new normal, with some of us more experienced than others. As we continue to dive deep for our audience, Archinect will be working to investigate many difference facets of this novel phenomenon.

Working from home comes with its benefits and challenges, one of which is maintaining balance throughout our day. How might we do that? Ensure we don't overeat, become physically stagnant, or go stir-crazy? Much can be said, but here are a few tips to hopefully contribute to well balanced mind and body.

Fuel mental performance with physical health

In The Importance of Physical Fitness in Mental Performance we looked at the inseparable connectedness of our bodies to our minds. We surveyed history, science, and sports to learn how our mental performance is directly tied to our physical health. When it comes to our current social climate, staying home can produce stagnation. All of the walking we may have done in the office, on job-sites, or even running errands have now been drawn to a halt. Where is all that activity going now?

A walking break could be a great way to clear the mind, regroup, and reset throughout the work day.

A walking break could be a great way to clear the mind, regroup, and reset throughout the work day. Many in architecture have developed a routine like this, as we already work in a profession with much desk time even without the quarantine measures. I try to take about three 5 to 10 minute walks throughout my work day if I can manage it.

Some recreational activity can be great as well, during a lunch hour or even before or after work. I have some colleagues who enjoy tennis, running, and hiking, many activities that do not require close contact with another person.

Fight the pull of the pantry

I've been working from home. Yesterday I had 4 waffles in the morning, 6 cookies my wife baked throughout the day, and a half of a box of white cheddar Cheez-Its. What can I say? Being home, with such easy access to these items has modified my structured eating. For many, packing the lunch limits what can be consumed throughout the day and so there is a certain dietary "budget" that is adhered to. 

For me, at least, I feel great when I'm eating well. Today was better — I only had 3 cookies.

When at home, that all changes. Obviously, the easy solution is to not have the bad stuff in the house, but with the oddities at the market lately, some may not have much choice in that either. Ultimately, we can only make the personal decisions that we each feel best orients us for success throughout the day. For me, at least, I feel great when I'm eating well. Today was better — I only had 3 cookies.

Take pride in your workspace

As people share photos of the home office, it's clear that some take great pride in optimizing their environment. One thing working from home allows an individual to do is fully personalize their environment absent of the judgment and dictation of anyone else (apart from family or roommates, of course). Take advantage of that! How can you make your home office the most ideal working experience possible?

Simple things like organization, cleanliness, and simple ergonomics can go a long way. "If you sit behind a desk for hours at a time, you're not doomed to a career of neck and back pain or sore wrists and fingers. Proper office ergonomics — including correct chair height, adequate equipment spacing and good desk posture — can help you and your joints stay comfortable at work," said Mayo Clinic health professionals in a how-to office ergonomics guide.

Filter out the doom and gloom

During a time like this, it's only natural to check the news and social media for any new information and developments. With so many narratives out there concerning COVID-19, many magnify the negative and the impending doom ahead. Would we do well to ignore reality? Absolutely not! But would we do well to calibrate how much negativity we allow into our heads throughout the day? It seems so.

Contrarily, there are many out there seeking to offer a light take on the situation in hopes of cheering some people up. Perhaps we can alternate throughout the day. We might check in on more serious news and then finish it off with a funny video or meme. 

How has your work from home experience been so far? What tips do you have to offer? Tell us, or fill out our survey for home workers or home academics.