In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining optimal health is a top priority for most people. As a result, it is not uncommon for individuals to question their every decision, from going to the grocery store to riding the subway to attending that can’t-miss-it family wedding. As more people find themselves working remotely, it is also becoming increasingly common for individuals to question their work situations. Rumor has it that the kind of isolation that is inherent of the work-from-home lifestyle can weaken the immune system, but is that true?
Can Working From Home Weaken Your Immune System?
Though the theory is sound — (When you work from home, you are exposed to less germs and, as a result, your immune system becomes complacent.) — there is actually no scientific evidence that supports it. The immune response takes several years, if not decades, to mature, and it is as strong (or weak) as it is because of a number of factors. Your work environment is not one of them.
Also, the reality is that your home is not free of pathogens, and neither is your life. Your pets, children and spouse track all kinds of microorganisms into your home on a daily basis, thereby exposing you to the outside world, even if you don’t actually join it. And, when you do join the outside world, whether to go grocery shopping, visit family or simply to take a walk, you expose yourself to even more agents. The bottom line: Your new work-from-home situation does not directly compromise your immune system.
Ways Working From Home Indirectly Impacts Your Health
Though the activity of working from home in and of itself does not make you more susceptible to illness, byproducts of isolation may. Extroverts who do not get their daily dose of socialization may develop symptoms of depression. Individuals with small children at home may experience increased stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. Many people, regardless of their personalities or home situations, may overwork themselves, a phenomenon that is not uncommon of telecommuters.
There’s more, though. Working from home causes many individuals to slack on personal hygiene, physical care and self-maintenance. Below are the most common byproducts of a telecommuting lifestyle that can weaken the immune system:
- Poor diet
- Lack of eating schedule
- Caffeine overload
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Eye-problems
- Failing to take sick days
Of all the adverse side effects that come with working from home, however, the worst for your health is the lack of a work-life balance. Convenient access to your workspace makes it all too easy to put in just one more hour, or to finish that spreadsheet even though it’s already past 6:00 pm.
If you can relate to any or all of the above, then you may have noticed a plunge in your health since March. COVID-19 or not, it’s important that you start taking steps today to boost your immunity. Doing so will help you fight off COVID should you come into contact with it, prepare your body for the impending flu season and, most important of all, help you feel stronger, healthier and happier than you have in a long time.
Healthy Ways to Boost Your Immune System While Working From Home
While we at Brillia have a lot of faith in our product to improve your mood, clarity and focus, we know that there is no such thing as a “happy pill.” To achieve true fulfillment in your life and work, regardless of current events, you need to develop and maintain healthy living habits. In addition to encouraging the use of Brillia, our 5-Pillar Program relies on four other tried-and-true ways to supercharge your immunity and build the best possible defense against COVID, the flu and other illnesses:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Working from home gives you access to all your favorite indulgences, such as ice-cream, chocolate and those delicious yet not-so-healthy leftovers. However, just because they’re in the next room doesn’t mean you should eat them. To maintain the best possible health through this crisis and beyond, create (or maintain) a diet that is packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy dairy and lean proteins.
- Get Adequate Sleep: While you may not have to be at the office at 8:00 am anymore, you still need your full eight hours. A full-night’s sleep is vital to healthy brain operation, as sleep helps to re-energize brain cells, regulate mood and ensure optimal cognitive function. To make your slumber work harder for you, understand the science behind adequate sleep.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: When anxiety and stress threaten to get the best of you, step away from the task at hand and give one of our mindfulness and relaxation techniques a try. Research shows that by doing something as simple as paying attention to your breathing, practicing positive self-talk or performing an act of kindness can help you control stress and anxiety and better manage your emotions.
- Control Your Screen Time: Though you may need to work from a desktop, laptop or tablet while telecommuting, try to limit your screen time as much as possible outside of working hours. In addition to taking away from your personal and quality time with others, studies show that screen time increases anxiety and restlessness. When you do indulge in a social media scroll here and YouTube video there, make it quick, and keep the content positive.
There are additional steps you can take during flu season, too, to boost your body’s ability to fight off infection. Though the research is still out on several immunity aids such as supplements and essential oils, it cannot hurt to take extra measures to protect yourself against illness.
Vitamins can help supplement any shortcomings in your diet and make up for any discrepancies. For instance, our Brillia supplement uses an active antibody ingredient that targets and binds to certain proteins in the brain to prevent those proteins from triggering the development of symptoms of anxiety and hyperactivity. Several herbal remedies exist that are proven to combat symptoms of stress anxiety in children and adults alike. In addition to adopting our 5-Pillar approach, consider using our supplement and natural remedies to optimize your health during these uncertain times.
At Brillia, we want you to live your best and healthiest life despite what the world may throw your way. Whether you continue to work from home or return to the office, it’s essential that you take measures to boost your immune system and protect your health every day. See how our holistic 5-Pillar Program and Brillia Health, combined with the advice above, can help maximize the results of your efforts.
