Working from home, which can be a convenient experience for some, can also be quite destructive for your posture. How? Consider this: unlike your office space, you most likely do not have a proper chair and work table at home. And of course, why would you? Who builds a proper office space at home ‘just in case’?

The challenges posed by the global pandemic were unforeseen. But they need solutions. The closure of offices and lockdowns across the world has left the people with no options than to turn their living rooms into workspaces. However, since we were not prepared for it, it is not turning out to be a very pleasant experience.

When all this is over (which we desperately hope happens soon), we need to change a lot in our everyday lifestyle. The crisis, in all its extremity, has also shown how we lack the capacity to even accommodate ourselves for even the smallest routine changes.

But till then, we have to make the most out of what we have available here. We are certain that you do not want to mark the end of a global pandemic with backpain.

~ Hence, we bring you 5 tips to fix your posture while you are working from home:

Do not, we repeat DO NOT, work while sitting at the sofa

Total disaster. A big NO-NO! According to experts, sitting on bed and working can put more pressure on your lower back, hence, damaging your posture.

Avoid sitting on a bed or a couch while working. If there is no other option, invest in a good bed table that will help you maintain your angles.

Avoid crossing your legs

The experts say that sitting with crossed legs while working can also be damaging to your body. According to the health expert Dr. Andani, the ‘C formation’ can wreck your posture and lead to backache.

“While you cross your legs you tend to slouch more and the C formation wrecks your posture, leading to back pain,”Andani said.

Pull the chair INSIDE

Pulling the chair inside the table will help you keep your posture upright as it will provide the additional support and pull your hips back. Also, it is advisable to have a proper corner for work and use a laptop stand.

If you don’t own a laptop stand, you can keep a couple of books beneath for the screen to maintain your eye angle.

Use armrest and cushions for added comfort

Health experts suggest that when you are working while sitting on a table, use an armrest. It automatically maintains your angles.

Similarly using a small cushion at your back will also help you maintain your posture. Furthermore, it is also advised to keep your feet on the ground when you work.

You must be careful that your thighs and lower leg maintain an angle of 90-degree with each other. If your height is short, place a box to maintain your form.

Walk, stretch, take frequent breaks

This one is less very talked-about but needs the most attention. To keep the spasm at bay, take frequent breaks, walk, stretch your neck, and take your eyes off-screen.

As most of the online meetings are arranged on Zoom, make sure you keep your phones at eye level rather than low, so you do not have to bend.

The quarantine has changed how we interact, socialize and work, but that does not mean your backs have to suffer. Be a little mindful and show care towards yourself. Your body needs attention!

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