Health and Wellness Archives

How remote work can boost energy and productivityHave you ever wished for more hours in the day?What if I told you that working from home could grant you that wish—and more importantly, improve your sleep and overall well-being?Eye-Opening StatisticsA recent BBC article caught my attention:"Homeworkers get 24 more minutes of sleep a day."According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), people working from home gained almost an hour on average from not needing to commute.That's an extra 24 minutes of sleep and an extra 15 minutes for exercise or personal activities each day!But despite these benefits, some companies are pulling back on remote work, insisting that employees return to the office.It got me thinking—are we overlooking the profound impact that flexible working arrangements can have on our lives?My Personal Sleep RevolutionBefore remote work became the norm, my life felt like a constant race against the clock.Early alarms jolted me awake, long commutes drained my energy, and by mid-morning, I was already yearning for a nap.But when I started working from home, everything changed.More Time for Exercise:Instead of being squished on public transport, I began my mornings with a workout and a refreshing walk with my dogs.This simple shift energised me for the day ahead.Healthier Eating Habits:Access to my kitchen allowed me to prepare nutritious meals.No more relying on fast food or skipping meals because of time constraints.An Evening Ritual:Post-work, I'd take the dogs out again, enjoy dinner with my family, and indulge in a relaxing hot bath—a ritual inspired by Japanese culture.This routine signaled to my body that it was time to wind down.Better Sleep:With these changes, I started going to bed around 9 or 9:30 pm instead of the usual 10 or 11 pm. The result?Deeper, more restful sleep.The Data Doesn't LieI've been tracking my sleep using the SleepWatch app on my Apple Watch for years now.The difference between my results prior to remote work and after are astonishing:Top 14% to Top 1% in Sleep Score:Even before remote work, I was quite focussed on getting good sleep.I installed black out curtains, used an eye mask and ear plugs, taped my mouth closed and tried my best to get a good pre-bedtime routine to unwind (all of I which I still do!).My sleep score used to average about 720/100 - which was still decent as it's 86% higher than others users worldwide.Since moving to a hybrid work setup however (4 days at home and just 1 day in the office) my score has consistently been in the 900s - which is higher than 99% of users worldwide.Even though I tried to maintain good sleep habits before, working from home has significantly enhanced both sleep length and quality.The Productivity BoostBut does more sleep and more time for exercise and other personal pursuits actually make a difference to productivity?In my experience; absolutely!No More Midday Slumps:I used to feel exhausted by mid-morning, struggling to focus. Now, I more consistently maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.Enhanced Focus and Efficiency:With better rest and regular exercise, I find I can concentrate for longer periods and get more done in less time.Quality Over Quantity:Interestingly, the ONS data suggested that homeworkers actually spent 10 minutes less working on average.But, with increased productivity, the quality of work often improves.Challenging the Traditional NarrativeHere's where I question the logic of companies pushing employees back into the office.If remote work can lead to better sleep, improved health, and increased productivity, why revert to old models?They argue that in-person work enhances collaboration.Face-to-face interaction definitely has its merits, is it worth sacrificing our well-being and the extra hours gained from not commuting?A Call to Rethink WorkIt's time we reframe the conversation around remote work.Instead of focusing on where we work, let's consider how we work best.Employee Well-Being Matters: Happy, well-rested employees are more productive and engaged.Flexibility Is the Future: Offering hybrid models can provide the best of both worlds—collaboration when needed alongside personal well-being.Trust and Autonomy: Empowering employees to manage their time fosters a culture of trust and can lead to better results.Final ThoughtsIn a world that's constantly evolving, clinging to outdated work models doesn't make sense.By embracing flexible working arrangements, we not only improve our own lives but also pave the way for a healthier, more productive society.Let's not sleep on this opportunity—literally.I'd love to hear from you. What's your take on the shift back to office work?Do you have personal stories about how working from home has affected you—for better or worse?Feel free to reply and share your thoughts. Together, we can advocate for work environments that truly support us.