Keeping Healthy While Working From Home

The COVID pandemic has turned many of our homes into our very own workplaces. While some may feel the benefits of working from home (bye-bye commute, hello Zoom!), it is so important to keep your physical and mental health in check when such a sudden change occurs. Aside from having a dedicated work area free from distractions, there are several ducks you’ll need to get in a row if you want to stay healthy at home (and prevent injuries and other health issues)!

stretchingYour Space

  1. Check your screen: make sure your monitor is between 20 and 40 inches from your face and see that the top of the screen is level with your eyes or is slightly below. More on viewing angles here.
  2. Get a supportive chair: your chair should support your back and arms. Find a chair that is adjustable for height and when you sit, make sure your feet lay flat on the floor and arms parallel to the floor. Read more on how to sit properly.
  3. Let there be (natural) light: according to a 2018 study, “workers in daylit office environments reported an 84 percent drop in symptoms of eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision symptoms, which can detract from productivity.”
  4. Snack wisely: it’s easier now when you’re home to run to the fridge and grab some leftover pizza as a snack–don’t do it! Make sure you are stocked with healthy snacks that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Bonus tip: Here’s a great office ergonomics guide from Mayo Clinic.

Your Mental Health

  1. Take breaks: just like you were at the office (we hope), you should take breaks while you’re working from home, too.
  2. Set boundaries: working from home doesn’t mean you have to work even harder than normal necessarily or working at random hours of the day. Stick to regular office schedule and don’t be tempted to check your email or work on assignments during non-working hours.
  3. Get up: avoid sitting in one position too long.
  4. Don’t inundate yourself with news: with so much going on, it is tempting or may feel downright compelling to constantly check your news feeds. Unfortunately, this can increase or even cause anxiety. Make a point to only check news at scheduled times of the day to avoid information overload.

 

Summary
Keeping Healthy While Working From Home
Article Name
Keeping Healthy While Working From Home
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Aside from having a dedicated work area free from distractions, there are several ducks you'll need to get in a row if you want to stay healthy at home (and prevent injuries and other health issues)!
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Everett Spine and Rehab
Everett Spine & Rehab
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