According to doctors, As many people do not have access to ergonomically designed chairs and adjustable monitors and desks at home, working from home could lead to an increase in musculoskeletal disorders or overuse syndrome and repetitive stress injuries. Here are some body aches to watch out for and ways to address them:
1. Avoid neck and shoulders hurt. Position the monitor at eye level and place the laptop on a table or desk that is preferably at elbow height.
2. Avoid fatigued eyes. Seek natural light and take frequent breaks. Work near a window with natural light that is preferably at a 90-degree angle to your screen, as opposed to right behind you.
3. Avoid tight hips. Recline your seat if your chair is adjustable, and if not, get up frequently. Break at least every 20 minutes and get out of that tight posture.
4. Avoid legs that cramp. Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the ground. If that’s not possible, use a footrest. Periodic breaks every 20 minutes to move around are another way to promote good circulation.
5. Avoid wrists hurt. You want your wrists to be as flat as possible and straight, so they are not bent left or right. If it’s possible, look into a keyboard and mouse that will keep your wrists neutral or look into buying an ergonomic keyboard.
6. Avoid back aches. If you are seeking cheap lumbar support, try using a towel. Roll up the towel and put it behind your back so that it preserves the inward bending of the lower back.
And those who have inadequate exposure to sunlight, need to take vitamin D supplements. In addition to this, it is also ideal to invest in the right setup, if you will be WFH for the foreseeable future.