The world of work is changing. Our post ‘How Have Offices Shaped our Lives and What to Do About It’ found that with the freedom to work from the comfort of our homes, employees have experienced a shift in their daily habits. And while many shifts have been beneficial not all of them are good. Research from private healthcare company Bupa on remote work found that working from home may be just as dangerous to workers' health as smoking. Almost a fifth of people exercise less, and 15% admitted drinking more alcohol.

More experts are thus questioning whether there's an actual link between remote work and bad habits, such as smoking. While there is potential for the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, the relationship between the two is not as straightforward as it may seem. Let's take a closer look below.

Remote work and its influence on habits

Remote work tends to blur the lines between work and personal time. This situation has led to concerns that people might be tempted to engage in unhealthy habits due to increased stress, boredom, or easier access to substances at home.

Studies on this topic have yielded mixed results. Research in the Journal of Occupational Health indicates that smoking prevalence and intensity were lower among those who worked more frequently from home. This may be due to smoke‐free housing laws and concerns about secondhand smoke exposure for family members. However, the study noted that the lower productivity of remote workers, and thereby lower income and purchasing power, may have partially driven the reduced demand for cigarettes. Overall, there's still a need to address the potential exacerbation of occupation‐related smoking disparities proactively.

Conscious development of healthier habits

While remote work might not directly cause increased smoking, individuals must consciously develop healthier habits to ensure their overall well-being. These habits encompass not only addressing smoking but also tackling sedentary lifestyles.

Quitting smoking

Reducing your smoking prevalence is a challenging endeavor. Thankfully, more quit-smoking aids are available, such as the nicotine pouch. Smokers who require a smokeless and tobacco-free oral distraction can easily purchase nicotine pouches from online retailers or convenience stores. The nicotine pouches from On! are bestsellers in the US due to their wide selection of flavors, ranging from citrus to wintergreen and even coffee that can be bought online at Prilla.com. This makes them a popular choice for those looking to satisfy their cravings without the side effects of traditional products. The nicotine pouches can be delivered straight to the user’s doorstep for extra convenience.

Similar virtual stop-smoking services have also been steadily adopted over the years. The Yorkshire Cancer Research confirmed an 84.1% 12-week quit rate among smokers who were delivered a combination of NRT or Champix and e-cigarettes to aid their quit attempt from home. The ready availability of these alternatives means that remote workers can gradually reduce their nicotine dependence without compromising their work performance.

Combating sedentary lifestyles

Remote work often involves extended periods of sitting. That is why scheduling short breaks throughout your workday is essential, so you can get up, stretch, and even take a walk. These breaks can help alleviate muscle tension and prevent the adverse effects of prolonged sitting. Consider using a journaling app like the Boom Journal to start the habit of moving mindfully. This can help you become aware of your underactive tendencies and strengthen your ability to combat stress or anxiety while working at home.

Otherwise, you can create an active workspace using a standing desk or an adjustable desk converter. Alternating between sitting and standing can reduce the negative impact of sitting for extended periods.

Nourishing your body

Remote work might lead to increased snacking and unhealthy eating habits. To maintain a balanced diet, consider planning your meals. Having nutritious meals readily available can prevent impulsive, less healthy food choices.

You can also keep a water bottle on your desk and try to stay hydrated throughout the day. Otherwise, practice mindful eating by paying attention to your hunger cues and savoring each bite.

While the relationship between remote work and smoking might not be as direct as one may assume, it's essential to cultivate healthier habits when working from home. Utilizing quit-smoking tools for cessation and incorporating regular physical activity and mindful eating into your routine can pave the way for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, regardless of your work environment.