Here’s Why It’s Important to Stretch When You Work from Home

Working from home has become the new normal during the global pandemic sweeping the globe. To slow the spread of COVID-19, we are following lockdown and social distancing measures. Some of us have never worked from home before. A lot of us might have to push on this way so that social distancing is better supported when lockdown measures finally lift entirely.

While some have dedicated desks at home or full-on home offices, there are still plenty who need to just create makeshift workspaces at dining tables, sofas and even kitchen counters. If there's pain and quite a lot of aches, chances are you're not adhering to best practices or working in the wrong position.

As you sit down for long periods with your posture not being proper, you'll end up with aches and pains. At worst, musculoskeletal disorders can end up getting triggered. Sitting for a long time can increase the likelihood of ending up with diabetes, obesity and even cognitive function increasing.

You Need To Make Sure To Stretch

A good way to ease the aches and pains that can come from working from home (and without many breaks, and without going outside), are stretches you can do at your desk throughout the day. Actively taking steps toward preventing serious issues such as back, shoulder, and neck problems.

Here are some easy stretches you need in your life that you can do while working from home:

Neck Stretches

Sitting incorrectly while working at a computer can lead to headaches and neck pain. People tend to blink less when they're looking at a computer screen for long periods of time. That can trigger headaches and dry eyes. A good rule of thumb is to look away from the screen and blink quickly for a few seconds. It helps eye muscles relax while the eye moisture levels are refreshed.

Stretch your neck, too:

1. Tilt your head as far as you can, forward, comfortably

2. Roll head backwards carefully and slowly, looking to the ceiling.

3. Repeat 3 to 5 times throughout the day.

Shoulder Stretches

Slouching while working for long periods definitely brings on quite a lot of pain. Combined with bad posture while sitting, it can lead to pain in the back, poor digestion, tension in shoulders and poor circulation overall.

Avoid slouching and try sitting properly at all times. Sit with feet flat on the floor, don't cross your legs, keep your knees lined up with your hips and keep computer screens at eye level.

Do shoulder stretches:

1. Place a hand under your elbow

2. Lift it and keep it stretched across your chest

3. Do not rotate your body

4. Hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds

5. Release slowly, then repeat

Conclusion

Working from home is pretty much the new normal worldwide given the pandemic. While some have dedicated home offices or workspaces, others end up working from their kitchen counter or dining table and the like. This can lead to slouching and poor sitting positions that trigger aches and pains. Stretching during the workday will go a long way in alleviating these symptoms.

Looking for professional stretching assistance in Sydney? Check out Stretch Studio today! We’re the very first assisted stretching concept in Australia!