Physical Health and Working from Home

In a study, researchers from USC* have found that working from home has negatively impacted our physical health.  About 65 percent of respondents reported new physical health issues since the stay-at- home order was issued in March of 2020.  Respondents also reported increased food intake and reduced physical activity.

Researchers also found that head, eye and digestive pain and fatigue were among the most recorded issues. Shoulder pain was the most recorded musculoskeletal issue.  Various indoor environmental quality (IEQ) elements such as temperature, ergonomics, air quality and lighting were listed as contributing factors.

What can you do to maintain good physical health while working from home?

• Dedicate a space in your home for work
• Invest in an ergonomic work space
  • Desk
  • Rolling office chair with arms
    • A chair with back support is best
  • Second Monitor if working from a laptop
  • Desk lamp if lighting is poor
• Set an alarm or timer to remind you to get up, leave your work space and stretch or walk for 5-10 minutes each hour
• Put a full water bottle on your desk in the morning and make sure to drink it
• Eat a health diet; prepare snacks & lunch ahead of time
  • Set an alarm or time to remind you when to eat
• Create a daily routine for work-life balance
  • Get out of bed at the same time daily
  • Agree on specific work hours with your employer
  • Set boundaries with your family
  • Try to leave work in your workspace; detach at the end of the work day

*Source: news.usc.edu