You are probably reading this as you find yourself scrolling down the internet while working at home slumped on your sofa…
Unexpectedly over the last few years, we have found ourselves in a new environment and the challenges that are encompassed with it. For many, this is the first time your commute has drastically reduced from one and a half hours to one and a half minutes. Bed-Shower-Kitchen-Sofa. Some even Bed-Kitchen-Sofa.
But as an osteopath, it is our duty to do our utmost to keep the nation mobile & pain-free. So here we give you an osteopath’s top four tips for working from home.
Work From Home TOP TIP ONE: Adjust your chair & sit correctly
It may sound rather obvious, but the majority of you are probably reading this either (A) seated at your dining room table, or (B) sitting on your sofa. If you are options A or B, I would highly suggest playing around with pillows and cushions to support your lower back. If you are, however, sensibly using a desk chair, play around with the levers – higher, lower & recline. The aim of the game here is to get your chair square and so that you are a comfortable height and distance from the desk.
Work From Home TOP TIP TWO: Move Workstations!
The majority have been given work laptops (a generalisation I have made from talking to clients, friends & family). The best thing about laptops…they go wherever you go! Take advantage of that and move around your house working at different ‘workstations’. I recommend your home office, standing at your kitchen island and then sitting at the dining room table (with well-placed supportive cushions). Three different workstations. Three different work positions. Changing workstations, changes how you are using your body.
Work From Home TOP TIP THREE: Screen Height
The aim of achieving perfect screen height is for your eyes to be level with the screen. The solution changes depending on whether you are using a desktop or a laptop. However, both are easy solutions. Desktops are very easy – you can lower or raise your screen. With Laptops you need to be a little more inventive… stack books, lever arch filers and other sturdy household objects to bring your laptop to eye level.
Note: While raising your laptop you may now need a keyboard & mouse.
Work From Home Top Tip Four: Regular Breaks
Taking breaks should be a fundamental part of your routine!
“Never let work get in the way of a good tea break”
Forbes found that taking a break increases productivity and creativity as well as mental well-being! As an osteopath I recommend people to go get themselves a fresh drink. Secretly there is an ulterior motive – the more you drink, the more you need to go to the loo, which equals double the breaks.
If you need help managing your pain whilst working at home, come and see us at Body Beliefs, your local osteopaths in Billericay. We are here to help! We will assess your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan to help relieve the pain. Book online here or call 01277 676 676.
