For the majority of us, COVID-19 has changed the way we work. Working from your home can present numerous challenges. Here are 5 simple ideas to successfully setup your home office using your existing furniture.
Many of us will be working at our dining room or kitchen table using a simple 4-legged chair, or on our bed, or lounging on the sofa….hardly an ergonomic office setup!
Unfortunately, many of us do not have the necessary home office furniture to setup an ergonomically correct workstation with an adjustable monitor, separate keyboard and mouse, adjustable chair, and a footrest. Unless we are prepared to “spend big”, we need to use the furniture that we have to create an office in our home that doesn’t result in back, neck, shoulder and other sitting-related ailments.
According to Spine Health, a trusted resource for back and neck pain relief, it’s important to set up your home or work office correctly to prevent back and neck pain.
If you do not have a perfect home office setup, follow these 5 simple ideas to improve the way you work at home. By using items around the house, you can quickly convert your workspace to create a healthier and better working environment.
Watch our short video for simple ideas on setting up your home office without breaking your bank account!
1. Find a flat work surface in your home office
A good working surface could include a dining room table, kitchen table or even a portable table.
2. Use any sturdy chair
Every office needs a chair, and unfortunately we can’t all afford an expensive office chair for use in our home! As an alternative, use any sturdy chair that you have, for example a dining room chair.
3. Improve your posture in your home office by setting the height of your laptop
4. Separate keyboard and mouse
5. Take regular breaks
Whether at work or your home office, do not sit for longer than 45-60 minutes without taking a break. Our bodies are meant to move and sitting still for expended periods can hinder blood circulation.
Apart from taking regular breaks, also consider alternating your posture between sitting and standing. Use books or boxes to create 2 different height levels, one level for correct placement of your laptop so that it is at eye level height when standing, and another to place your keyboard and mouse at your elbow height as you would when you are sitting.
Alternating between sitting and standing in your home office has the following important advantages:
