Work-life balance has been a topic of discussion for decades. And with the pandemic forcing many people to rethink their priorities and the way they think about their work, it moved from a discussion topic to a need and demand for many workers.

“We are lucky to live in a time where wellness is not only about the absence of disease” were the words of Reni Horvath founder of Balance & Core.

Reni explained that wellness is now thought of in a more wholesome view, including social, mental and financial wellness.

Reni lived in 6 countries before she settled in Nice in southern France and founded Balance & Core, a small wellness company in 2014. Her company received requests from corporates, banks and universities to help them improve the wellness of their employees.

Wellness for Reni is about striving to feel complete, with regards to all aspects of wellness, not just physical health. She stressed that it’s even more important for digital nomads and remote workers whose lifestyles come with different challenges.

Social isolation, lack of structure, blurring lines between personal and work time are just some of these challenges.

Digital nomads may not have access to ergonomic chairs and extra screens which can cause eye strain, back problems and even weight gain. That’s why prioritizing wellness is very important for digital nomads and remote workers.

Reni had some useful tips for nomads and remote workers, these include:

  1. Establish a routine: as human beings, we long for certainty and having a structured routine no matter where you are in the world helps you feel more stable and productive.
  2. Take regular breaks: breaks help recharge the body and mind, try getting up and moving for 30 seconds, stretching, or getting some sunlight. It will help with your sleep as well.
  3. Have a designated work space: having a space where you know if you sit there you are in work mode, changing into work clothes even if you work from home, cleaning your workspace and removing clutter, are all actions that help you focus.
  4. Maintain and establish meaningful connections: reach out to family, friends, colleagues and establish new connections to help keep your social wellness. If your loved ones are far away, it’s advisable to video call instead of voice to help you feel closer.
  5. Practice self care: engage in activities that help you feel better, whether this is exercise, meditation, art or anything that helps you relieve stress.
  6. Establish boundaries: define your boundaries when it comes to working hours, answering emails, taking time off, weekends…etc. Be clear on when to say no.
  7. Rest: resting is not laziness, it’s what your body and mind need to recharge and be productive. Focus on getting better sleep and taking a vacation every now and then to avoid burnout.

Reni added that corporations or individuals who are interested in improving their wellness or that of their teams can get in touch with her on her website or social media.