by Eliza Sterling

Winter moves in, the government pushes for remote work, and six out of 10 professionals are at their wits’ end trying to detach home and work life in the wake of missing commuting. More troubling, many are blaming this for a downturn in their general health and wellbeing, a recent poll by Vitality, a groundbreaking insurance firm, reveals.

Vitality proposes people allocate 20 minutes before or after their work hours for a ‘pretend commute’ indulging in one activity enhancing their mental and physical well-being this winter. Vitality is kick-starting this in line with their latest proposition, the
Winter Pack
program, aiming to give members rewards and motivations to maintain their physical and mental health at home during the chilly season and beyond. Free guides and tips are accessible to everyone on Vitality’s social platforms.

A significant number of us have spent months working from home, the blurry line between work and domestic life is adding up. Amidst unsureness over a comeback to office life in 2021, it’s vital to incorporate some structure into your daily grind now to foster your well-being long-term.

The study revealed that 59% office employees grapple with separating work and home life due to the absence of commuting. An inquiry involving 2,000 UK adults who have been propelled to remote work this year discovered the average person is saving 60 minutes each day due to lack of commuting.

Conversely, the notorious commute served as a boundary separating work and home life, leaving 59% having difficulty in unplugging from work. Some 42% even suggested that the lack of commute is adversely affecting their physical health and wellbeing. In reaction, 58% are longing for parts of their travel to and from work.

From the 2,000 UK adults surveyed, some cherished the drive to and from work as it afforded them solitary time in the car (25%), a break from colleagues, relatives, and roommates (22%), and a chance to work out by walking or cycling to the station (19%).

A concerning 69% conceded they aren’t utilizing their extra saved commuting time productively. Almost four out of 10 admitted that they merely spend more time in bed. Furthermore, 40% are now overworking, leaving 45% feeling less satisfied at work due to heightened stress.

The study discovered 67% feel they need to boost their mental health and wellbeing this winter. Almost three-quarters (72%) also aim to elevate their physical health.

36% have footed up their workout since they started remote work, but 32% confessed they are doing less than they did previously. A third expressed they need extra motivation or offerings to make use of their spared commute time. Another 27% felt the need for a plan, while 20% could benefit from a fitness device tracking their activity.

In conjunction with the ‘imaginary commute’, Vitality’s launched
Winter Pack, aims to motivate its insurance members with rewards to help them maintain sound mind and body at home throughout winter and beyond. In-store are home workouts on Peloton, fitness device discounts, and a barista-at-home package with free guides and tips accessible to everyone on Vitality’s social platforms.

Here are some tips by Claire O’Neill, Head of Clinician Management at Vitality, crafted to help you outline your pretend commute at the start and end of each day that should leave you feeling healthier and more upbeat at home… Announcements include meditation, coffee & chill, creating a gastronomic delight in your kitchen; becoming a dancing queen, and showing your creative side.

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