There are more and more people working from home these days. Being able to work from home is incredibly convenient, and many people prefer it over heading to the office every day. However, it’s easy to pick up some bad habits that aren’t very good for your neck and back when you work from home. Here are some things to avoid.
Avoid Sitting All Day
When you work at an office building, there are certain things you must do each day to get your work done. Walking, climbing stairs, carrying a briefcase or backpack, walking across the street to get lunch, walking to your car, etc. When your office is in your house, it cuts down on the amount of walking and moving to get what you need. Working from your bedroom, home office, or kitchen table is convenient – but it’s not necessarily good for your body. To make up for this lack of walking, create some new habits in your work-from-home schedule:
- Taking a walk in the morning or afternoon
- Setting a timer to take stretching breaks
- Walk up and down the stairs multiple times a day
- Invest in a standing desk
Avoid Uncomfortable Chairs
Working from home means you can work anywhere in your home. However, those wooden dining table chairs aren’t meant for long hours of sitting. If your work-from-home situation is long-term or permanent, get yourself a chair that has ample back support. The best office chair allows you to maintain natural posture while supporting your lumbar spine. You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor, your knees raised slightly higher than your hips, and your hips, shoulders, and ears should all line up. Look for an ergonomic chair that feels comfortable and that you can sit up straight in without feeling awkward.
Besides regular movement and a supportive chair, be sure to see your chiropractor regularly if you work from home. Call Posture Doc for an appointment today!