Tips For Staying Fit & Healthy Whilst Working From Home
Posted on 9th February 2023
With many people continuing to work from home and others even taking the time to travel while they work, many of us neglect the fact that our bodies need to be looked after. If you spend too much time in front of a screen, you may start to neglect your physical health. The last thing you need is for aches and pains to keep you from getting your work done. Taking care of your body means finding a peaceful place to work where you won't be disturbed and where you'll have plenty of room to stretch out and do some gentle exercise.
Set and stick to a routine
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance when there are no set schedules to adhere to. Try to keep to your regular work and rest schedules as much as possible.
Get up at the same time, eat breakfast and get out of your pyjamas. Use your "commute time" for some self-care activities such as exercising, journalling, reading, or listening to music before logging on.
Importantly, when your shift ends, don't keep working. Put down the computer, put down the email, and pay attention to your family, friends, or pets. Or yourself. Also, make an effort to get to bed at about the same time each night.
Make a dedicated workspace
Before beginning work, collect all of your equipment (chargers, pens, paper, etc.) in one location and, if possible, shut the door. Even in a small or shared location, make an effort to designate a work area.
Finally, make yourself at home. It's preferable to work at a desk or table rather than on the sofa, no matter how comfortable it may be. If you’re comfortable, try to make a standing desk to improve your posture and burn some extra calories.
If you don't have access to ergonomic workplace furniture like an adjustable chair, make do with pillows for back support and a box for a footrest.
Angles are important
The top of your laptop or monitor should be level with your eyes while you’re in the optimal viewing position, whether you are standing or seated at your desk.
The weight of your head ranges from 5 to 8 kg. Imagine keeping an 8-kilogram weight at arm's length for a long time! That's what your neck will have to cope with if you're looking down at a screen. It's understandable that your neck and shoulders might feel sore and tight after staring down at a screen for a long time; doing so puts extra stress on the muscles and discs too so no wonder you feel stiff!
Now you’re set up correctly, what next?
Adjusting your desk posture is a great place to start if you want to reduce your chances of developing any aches and pains. If you've been suffering from persistent pain, a regular sports massage can loosen up your muscles, relax your spine, and boost your productivity.
Remember to move as much as possible to maintain your body's natural alignment and get long-term relief - stretching is your best friend!
If you fancy a change of pace and want a job in massage therapy, contact us today!
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