These days, more people than ever are working from home, either temporarily due to social distancing (also called physical distancing), or permanently as a remote professional. If you’ve found yourself and your laptop at the kitchen table or at a makeshift desk, do what you can to make your workspace as supportive and comfortable as it can be. After all, you don’t want working from home to be a pain in the neck — or shoulders.
Position Yourself for Success
How you sit while working makes a difference. While your home may not be the best work environment long-term, do the best you can to safeguard your joints and muscles. It might be a good idea to check your home for props, such as stacks of books to raise your monitor and to get yourself and your equipment positioned the right way.
If you can, work from a firm chair positioned at a desk or table. A soft couch isn’t your friend for hours on end. Sit right, and don’t forget to get up and shake it out to avoid aches and pains.
Tip 1: Feet firmly on the ground
Keep your feet flat on the floor and slightly ahead of your knees, which are bent at a 90- to 120-degree angle. Use a lumbar support cushion or if one is not available, grab a small throw pillow to alleviate back pain.