Things are difficult for many people these days. The pandemic has caused a lot of employees to lose their jobs. Some others were left with no choice but to work from home. After all, it’s for their own safety. But working from home also has downsides. If you are not careful, it can cause a variety of health problems, such as anxiety, cabin fever, and spine issues.
Spine problems may develop when you maintain bad posture. Most of the time, we forget about our spine alignment when sitting for a long period. Now that you are working from home and spending more time in front of our computers, it makes more sense to take good care of our spine. This guide teaches you how to do just that.
Stretch Your Back and Other Parts of Your Body
Keeping the spine straight or on the right angle is easier said than done, especially for those who have scoliosis. This condition could be a complication of other illnesses such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. It can also develop during the growth spurt before a person hits puberty. If you have this problem, you can try a variety of exercises for a curved spine or scoliosis. Yoga is also a good form of exercise. These workouts will help soothe discomfort and keep the problem from worsening.
Keep in mind that you can still do these exercises even if you don’t have spine problems yet. Regular workout routines can help reduce the risks of developing conditions that affect the spine, shoulders, muscles, and lower back. Exercises also make you feel energized and keep your body warm and active. Consult a fitness professional or search online to get some workout ideas.
Invest in a Good Table and Chair
If you want to maintain good posture while sitting in front of your laptop or desktop computer, you need to invest in an ergonomic chair and table. There are many types of chairs and a variety of brands or suppliers to choose from. Go for a chair and table that matches your height and weight. Be sure to prioritize comfort over style.
Ensure Proper Spine Alignment
The way you sit has a huge effect on your posture and spine alignment. Make sure you are sitting straight and not leaning forward too much. Maintain a comfortable distance from your computer to protect your eyes. At least 20 inches (ca. 51 cm) or an arm’s length is good enough. Add more viewing distance if your monitor is larger. Keep your shoulders relaxed; sit up straight and look forward without straining your neck. Keep your back against the chair or use a cushion or backrest to support your lower back region.
Take Short but Frequent Breaks
It’s ideal to take at least a 10-minute break every hour to stretch your spine and muscles. It will also allow your body to release tension and your backbone to realign. Your eyes will also benefit from this, as they will get the chance to relax and have a break from the glare of your computer screen.
Taking care of your body is important, especially now that we are dealing with a health crisis. Staying active and healthy is the best thing we can do to fight any infection or condition.