Whether you’re a work from home pro or a freshman, there are some things that make a big difference. One of the greatest benefits to working from home – besides being able to get ahead of laundry – is the ability to work anywhere. Whether you work from a desk, the kitchen table or out in the sunshine on your patio, the options are endless.
If you’re new to working from home, one thing you may run into quite quickly is the discomfort you feel from your working positions. While the options to sit and work anywhere in your home are endless and beneficial, there are definitely wiser choices for long term work. There are also a variety of tips and tricks that make a world of difference for your workspace ergonomics!
Your work position
- Sitting at a desk and in the correct position with proper posture can make the world of difference for your body and your energy levels. Some tips and tricks to the proper posture: sit in a chair with back and arm support, ensure your knees are approximately level with your hips, and your hands are level with your elbows.
- Working in a chair with a cushioned seat, adjustable height and back, that also has armrests will provide the most amount of support and least amount of strain. The support your chair provides to your back and arms while working will lessen the tension on your muscles and allow your body to work less while your brain works more!
- The desk, table, or countertop you work at should also allow you to have all of your work tools close enough together so not to be overreaching, especially your mouse to keyboard. The ideal set up allows your work monitor to be at eye level, as to not cause your back and neck to strain.
- Slouching, slumping, leaning, or hovering can poorly affect your body. It is super important to have good posture if nothing else. Sit up straight, keep your elbows close to your body, don’t overstretch and if all else fails, take a break!
- Every once in a while get up and stretch, refuel, regroup and keep on working it!
