Due to the current situation, a lot of people have been forced to set up temporary work stations in order to work from home. For most people, this will be their first time working from home and as a result their desk set up may not be the best.
What can you do to set yourself up properly for working from home if you want to avoid triggering old injuries or creating new ones? It might be tempting to sit on the couch with your laptop on your lap but it’s definitely not the best idea!
1. Sit Properly
Make sure you’re sitting in a proper chair! Sit back all the way into your chair with your feet flat on the ground.
2. Adjust your screen height
Make sure your screen is at your eye level so you don’t have to look down to see the screen. This is particularly important if you’re working on a laptop. If you are working on a laptop you can get a laptop stand to elevate the screen. Another thing you can do, which is probably better than a laptop stand is get a wireless keyboard and mouse for your laptop. You can then pop your laptop up on some books or a shoe box to make it the correct height for you!
3. Get up and move around
Most of us are not moving as much throughout the day as we usually would. Previously you might have had to go upstairs to get a cup of tea or coffee. Now you only have to move 10 steps! As a result, we need to make a conscious effort to move more. Make sure you take a break from your desk every 30 minutes, even if it’s just to look out the window or get a glass of water. If you take a lot of calls for work, why not take them while standing or moving around instead of sitting.
4. Stay hydrated
You need to make sure you’re drinking water, not just tea and coffee!
5. Try some easy desk stretches
- Moving your head from side to side
- Rolling your shoulders in circles
- Reach behind your chair to stretch your chest
There’s lots of stretches you can do while staying at your desk!
6. Do NOT work from your sofa
Whatever you do, make sure you do not set up your home office sitting on the couch or even lying in bed. This is a definite no no!
If you would like some more specific advice on working from home, please let us know and we would be glad to help!
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