Working from home definitely has its perks. You can turn your favourite cafe into your office, you can clock on and off whatever time you like and if you really want, your office attire can consist of stretchy pants and singlets.

Generally, I love working from home but there are definitely some downfalls. Being unproductive isn’t one of them. I find I am working around the clock, constantly online, doing research, connecting, social networking. But if, like me, you’re working from home, you’re probably sitting a whole lot of the day. And even if you don’t work from home, you’re probably sitting for up to 9 hours every day – eek. Scary huh? I just read an article with the ominous title Sitting is Killing You.

Naturally, I started worrying when I read the title. I sit quite a bit. But here are some ideas on how you can work from home without turning into an absolute slob or dying from a slow, desk-bound death.

Start the day right

When you get up in the morning, instead of making a cup of tea or coffee and heading straight to the computer, make sure you create a morning routine. Set an early alarm, have a shower (it sounds so simple!), dedicate some time on your yoga mat, go for a run or do some meditation so you can set an intention for the day ahead. Then once your morning routine is done, head to your home office and get to work with a clear mind and the best intentions.

Eat healthy

It’s not rocket science, if you eat healthy, colourful, fresh food you will feel and look good. Take care of yourself, your body, and this will impact your health, your energy and your ability to work with focus during the day. Also, the less crap you eat, the less worried you have to be about having such a sedentary lifestyle.

Leave the house

It’s easy to get so caught up in the work you have to do during the day that you can pass the whole afternoon, and even the evening, without leaving the house. Get out! Go for a walk, go buy a coffee at a cafe down the road or catch up with a friend for lunch. This will get you moving and will turn you from workaholic hermit to regular human being.

Move it

Whatever chance you get, move it. Yesterday morning, instead of heading straight to the computer, I did a dance class. In another life I taught Latin aerobics classes called Zumba, and yesterday I decided to see if I could remember any of the dances I learnt. I could. 1 hour later I was a sweaty, ecstatic mess. Make sure you make time for moving and shaking. Go to the gym, take the dog for a walk or just bust out some dance moves in front of the mirror. Do it. Now.

Do you work from home? What tips do you have for keeping healthy while you work from home? I would love to hear all about it.