2020 is the year of #wfh. Don’t make it the year of the bad back, too.
As of March this year, working from home became the new normal, and it doesn’t look like that will change for many people any time soon. Whether you’re home set up is #wfh goals or if you’re still making do with the dining room table, you’re probably feeling the effects on your back. Even in the office, our backs can be a get achy from sitting down all day, so its no surprise that living and working in the same space can make that feel even worse. Follow our top tips on how to keep your back feeling good until, and after, you go back to the office.
Sit on a proper chair
While the sofa might be tempting at times, its important you keep your back upright and comfortable when you’re sat for long periods of times. You wouldn’t sit on a sofa while you were in the office, so your home office should be no different. If you have an office chair at home, that’s great! If not, use a dining room chair and add cushions for extra padding and comfort. Try to make sure you’re always sat in a neutral position and don’t slouch. It might feel a bit awkward to begin with, but trust us, you’ll be grateful in the long run.
Get up and move regularly
One of the pro’s about working from home is that there’s no one to look at you strangely when you get up and perform your best downward dog pose. It gives you the flexibility to move as and when you want, and you really should take advantage of it.
Mix up your lunch break
It can be all too easy to get into the habit of sitting and having lunch at our desks while we work. While working at home, its important to switch up that dining room chair for something else – yes, even the sofa. It means your back gets a change of scenery (and position) and won’t end up to stiff from sitting still all day long. You could even use your lunch break to do some exercise. Go for a short run or walk
‘Walk’ to #wfh
Some of us might like the fact that we can literally roll out of bed and onto our laptops. However, some of us might be feeling the hit of not having a commute. Not getting that morning movement and fresh air in first thing in the morning could have a detrimental effect on us, especially if you don’t live somewhere that has any outside space. One way to ensure that you get that hit of freshness is by ‘walking to work’. Go for a 10 or 15 minute walk around your estate or through your local park. You’ll return home feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Plus, your back will thank you for it.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels
