Working from home…the new option?
We are all on lock down during this unbelievable Covid crisis. Who ever thought that “shelter in place,” “self-isolation” or “social distancing” would be a part of our daily lives along with wearing gloves and masks. Very scary.
This is our current reality, period. No ifs, ands, or buts. There is no work from home option – it is the ONLY option. No more having to go into the office for “face time.”
Now that we are literally in our homes all day long with work being a significant part of the day, there is a right way and a wrong way. Here are the wrong ways:
Working from your bed-
If you are working, act like you are going to work. Maintain the same routine. Establish a rhythm that is separate from your non-work life. Get up, shower, have breakfast and get dressed. Have a start time and an end time
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If you work from your bed or your bedroom, it can become a source of stress instead of a reservoir of calm
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The bed offers you no support for working on a laptop and can promote neck strain
Working from your couch
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This promotes an exaggerated forward head/neck/shoulder posture which, over time, can lead to headaches, neck and back pain as well as shoulder pain
Working with your lap top on a surface that is too high
- This can create neck strain and wrist pain which can become carpal tunnel syndrome
Working with your lap top on a surface that is too low
- Just like slouching on your couch, this promotes an exaggerated forward head/neck/shoulder posture, which over time, can lead to headaches, neck and back pain as well as shoulder pain
Tune in to the next blog for how to work from home the right way.
Keep this handy book by your desk or in your carry on for tips to keep you flexible and pain free.