Do you have a designated workspace when working from home or do you just set-up wherever and get too it? Do you set yourself up with the laptop on the couch, on the bed (whether in bed under the covers or on the bed) or maybe even at the dining table? The problem with working in any of these places is that these were NOT designed to be used as a workspace.
The couch is for lounging and relaxing. The bed is for sleeping. The dining table (and dining chairs) is for sharing a meal with family and friends. They may seem comfortable and an easy solution, but there is no doubt your body will pay the price later. Yeah, great you’ve got a laptop – it means you can work anywhere… However the fact is, setting yourself up at any of these places with your laptop or other mobile device is only going to have one end result – pain.
Whether it’s pain in your neck, lower back, upper back, shoulders, hips, wrists, elbows – the pain is inevitable. Your posture is going to be compromised due to awkward positioning which then leads to muscular fatigue, tension, stiffness and discomfort.
I have heard horror stories from clients who have frequently used these places as a workspace and the amount of pain they are in (at multiple sights), not to mention other neurological symptoms they experience as a result is frightening!
A workstation which is set-up for your individual needs will facilitate your ability to work with an upright and symmetrical posture – working on the couch, in bed or at the dining table will NOT do this. A designated workspace which is well set-up for your specific body and the work you do is vital to your health and wellbeing, and as an added bonus you will actually see a boost in productivity levels too.
So the next time you consider settling in on the couch, in bed or at the dining table with your laptop to do a bit of work, have a long hard think about how you felt after doing this the last time and maybe use your desk instead…
What are you doing to look after yourself today?
Want some advice on how to set-up your workspace for your needs? Give me a shout!