Remote legal work: Part 4 - Exercise

If you are new to working from home you will notice very quickly that you don’t move around as much as you used to. If all your meetings are via phone or computer you can end up spending hours sitting down.

Get deliberate

You need to have some strategies in place to make sure you get enough exercise. Exercise helps you have more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better. Exercise doesn’t have to be a hard slog to be beneficial. Ever found the solution to a difficult problem come to you when you got up from the desk and went for a walk? Charles Darwin famously nutted out his theory of evolution on a twice daily stroll.  

I try to get my exercise in before I start work because it reduces the chance that I will run out of time or energy as the day goes on. I have an audio book or a podcast that I want to listen to ready to go so that I get myself out the door. I also find it is easier to do it every day, that way I don’t have to argue with myself whether today is a walking day or not. I just go.

If a regular timeslot isn’t an option, still look for ways to schedule in some movement. Are there some calls you can take while walking (even around the block)?

Get someone to motivate you

While gyms are closed. there are lots of options around for doing exercises at home. My favourite home workouts are Team Body Project because they have a wide range of safe, sustainable workouts featuring real people. Yoga with Adrienne is another option if you are starting out. But if you fancy something more aspirational try working out with Chris Hemsworth. 

You can set reminders to stand up using activity trackers like Fitbit and reminder apps like "Stand up!". Encourage your team to get regular exercise - try a weekly steps challenge or sharing recommendations of favourite Youtube workouts.

Get set up

You may not have the ergonomic set up you were used to in the office but it is worth getting set up properly. Try not to work for hours peering at a laptop. Connecting a full size keyboard and a monitor at the proper height will avoid long term problems. This article has some good ideas on setting up a safe workplace at home without spending a fortune.

 Get organised

The other downside to working from home is that there is a well stocked pantry and fridge available (especially if you have been panic buying). Again try to be deliberate about what you are eating. Without a commute maybe you can eat breakfast later or have a bigger, more filling lunch. Try packing yourself a snack box to munch on during the day – like chopped up fruit, veggie sticks, hard boiled egg, nuts and a small sweet treat. You can go to the fridge as often as you like until your daily snack box is empty. 

Need some help?

I'm sharing some ideas on some easily accessible and low cost tools you can use to work remotely, based on what I've learned working as a remote litigation lawyer. If you are new to working from home let me know what you are finding a challenge and I will see if I can help.

If you are looking for more information about low cost ways you can improve how you work, I put lots more ideas in my ebook 5 ways to future proof your law firm which you can download at www.mclaylegal.com.