Staying Healthy While Working From Home ^Featured

Based on Forrester Research's latest US Telecommuting Forecast, nearly 34 million Americans work from home. The benefits of this flexibility are clear--less time commuting, more time to be productive, less revenue spent on office space, employees having more time to balance their personal and professional needs. As this trend is becoming more of a majority, with the forecast indicating that by 2016 nearly 43% of the workforce will be remote, it's important to start good habits now and do your future self a favor.

Let's be honest--as beneficial as it can be, working from home is not without it's challenges, namely distractions. So check out these tips for creating a healthy, comfortable home office.

1. Be intentional with your space
No matter if you're using your dining room table or a spare room, be clear about the boundaries of your professional space. Keep yourself focused on the task at hand by filling this space with work-related items. While sitting on the couch is comfy, it's tempting to drift into relaxation mode (and it's not great for your back, either!) Research some ergo-friendly chairs and don't forget to check places like Craigslist, where high-quality office furniture can be found for a fraction of the retail price. Keep your office space clean, clutter-free and welcoming in whatever way feels right to you. This is a place for you to do your best work.

2. Set office hours
One of the best parts about working from home is having a little leeway with your hours, but don't let that freedom prevent you from setting yourself up for success. Be consistent with your schedule, and make sure that includes taking lunches and breaks.

3. Speaking of breaks...
Even though you're at home, that doesn't mean you won't need time to rest. Stand up, do some stretches, get some fresh air, just as you would if you were working in an office. Take some time to do meal prep and feed yourself, don't just graze on whatever is easy. Do good things for your body and reward yourself for your hard work.

4. Get in the right mindset
Rolling out of bed in your sweats and sitting down in front of the computer may save time, but are you really working from a good head space? Do you feel professional? It may sound silly, but just the simple act of grabbing a quick shower and putting on a casual outfit can help keep you focused on the right mindset. So don't neglect the power of presentation, even if no one else is seeing you.

5. Ask your family/roommates for support
If you cohabitate with anyone, ask for their commitment to helping you maintain your office time. Set some ground rules about your availability and what you need in terms of privacy and noise control. If you have children in your home, take some time and explain to them what you're doing and why it's important. Work out some quiet signals if they need to get your attention. As well, don't be afraid to let your co-workers know if you have an emergency situation and need to tend to your loved ones.

6. Work outside of your home once a week
When you're planning your schedule, find some time to hit up your favorite coffee shop or co-working space. Getting out of your usual set up is refreshing, and meeting other similarly situated professionals is a great social and networking opportunity. If you need to take in person meetings, spend some time finding a few reliable places nearby. By expanding your professional stomping grounds, you'll have even more places where you can take care of your work.