Most of us are working from home already. We face our computer almost 8 to 9 hours a day. Do you feel body pains from prolonged sitting? You might have bad posture and it’s costing your productivity.
Why Should We Care About Bad Posture?
It’s just sitting in the way you like it. Why should we care about bad posture anyway? Aside from making your body look awful, there are a lot of health reasons why should you fix your posture.
You may not see it now, but in the long run, it will cost you. These bad habits of slouching causes muscle fatigue and tension. And the muscle fibers will weaken, and it can result in complications such as:
- Potbelly
- Headaches
- Muscle fatigue
- Rounded shoulders
- Back, neck, and bodily pains
In worst cases, it can even lead to spinal dysfunction and joint degeneration. Yikes!
So how do we correct our posture? Or better yet, what does it mean to have good posture while working from home?
What’s Proper Posture?
So with that glaring effects, how do we practice proper posture when working? Here is the standard.
- Head above shoulders and hips
- Elbows approximately 90 degrees with forearms and thighs parallel to the floor.
- Arms not too high or low
- Knees should be at the same height or slightly lower than hips
- Feet flat on the ground or supported by a footstool
It’s easier said than done, especially if it’s a habit already. But worry not, we can help you! Here are 7 practical tips to maintain good posture while working from home.
Have Some Breaks and Do Some Simple Stretching
Yes, we do need breaks from sitting for long periods. Physical therapists recommend taking a break of about 10 minutes per hour of sitting. Try these five simple desk stretches.
The following stretches can be done at your desk to get rid of tightness, stiffness, and get some blood flow moving. And it’s simple enough to relax your upper and lower body. Thank me later!
Do Some “Movement Snacks”
According to an article interview with Physical therapists, our body is designed to be in motion. And we also receive signals of pain when we need them. That’s when we need movement snacks. Like occasional “treats”, movement snacks are reward-like stretches during uncomfortable times.
You can try out the stretches from the previous video when you feel pain. And with these, you can counteract the pain to be productive once again.
Put Items Within Arm’s Reach
Sometimes, it’s the environment that makes it harder. What if you got a call and then you need to jot down some details. If your pen and paper are too far from you, you might be in a difficult position.
That’s why for most of your items, it should be on arm’s reach. In this way, your posture won’t be compromised when working.
Use a Headset for Phone Calls
Imagine typing while holding your phone when calling. Mobility is quite difficult. And you compromise your posture, especially if you’re assigned on a voice account. That’s hours in this position.
That’s why you should have a headset for phone calls. You can maintain good posture while talking to your customers.
Buy Posture Correcting Products
Investing in your ideal workspace is a must. Not only does it beautify your inspiring productivity abode, but it can also help in your posture. You can check out some of these links.
Your ideal workspace doesn’t need to be expensive. By finding the best-valued items, you can literally support your posture while working.
Stay Hydrated
Another way idea is to stay hydrated. Drinking water is healthy but it doesn’t really help in body aches or posture correction.
What does it do then? It encourages you to stand up and move around your place. By reminding yourself to get water, you can rest from sitting as you refill your drink or go to the bathroom.
If Problems Still Persist, Consult Your Doctor
What if your back pain is taking its toll? It’s best to consult your doctor for these cases. You don’t need to wait for it to worsen before you can take action.
Conclusion
With that, let’s all be productive and healthy while working from home. And having good posture will surely prevent complications in the long run. Cheers!
