As many of us are working from home in order to practice safe social distancing throughout this difficult time, our regular movement, ergonomics, and exercise are at risk. Luckily, it is possible to replicate the regular ergonomics of your workstation in the office. How you set up your space has a big impact on reducing uncomfortable postures and the risk of injury. If you see yourself working from home for the foreseeable future, here are some ergonomic tips to follow, from your chiropractors in Chicago.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
The first step toward a healthy work-from-home environment is to identify a dedicated workspace. If you are able, try to avoid working while sitting on a bed or couch for extended amounts of time. Consider investing in a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and, if you must use a laptop, try placing it on a stack of books or a stand. If you can, try using a good chair with low back support and a seated cushion–otherwise, feel free to use a pillow as a seat cushion. For your feet, consider resting them on a stack of books, step stool, or anything else you can find, to ensure they firmly touch the ground while sitting.
In addition to improving your ergonomics, a dedicated workspace can bolster your productivity, as you are set away from the regular activities in your home. Visit your chiropractors in Chicago at Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Injury Centers for your regular treatment whilst working from home.
Leave Food in the Kitchen
To help allow enough space to use your workspace equipment properly, try keeping your food in the kitchen. Not only will this provide you with more space to spread your materials out, but it also serves as a good way to avoid unnecessary snacking throughout the day. Keeping your workspace and your kitchen separate allows you to fully focus when it’s time to work and enjoy yourself when it’s time to eat.
Ensure As Much Natural Lighting As Possible
Create your dedicated workspace in an area with sufficient natural lighting, and avoid spending too much time tucked away in a dark corner. When you can, try to get outside and go for a walk. Keep in mind, your monitor should be the brightest thing in your workspace. Finally, if you feel as though your eyes are sensitive to blue light, consider investing in blue light glasses.
Drink Lots of Water and Take Breaks
Whilst working from home, be sure to drink water consistently throughout the day. Keeping hydrated is one of the most important things to do to keep your system healthy. In addition to keeping hydrated, try and take movement breaks every half hour, and change your posture and position when you feel fatigued. Stand up and stretch, walk around the block, up and down the stairs, or whatever you can do!
Your Chiropractors in Chicago
At Chicago Chiropractic & Sports Injury Centers, we are here and ready to help you care for your body at this time. We remain open to serve your needs, and we are taking extra sanitary precautions in order to keep our patients and staff safe and healthy.
