Not having to commute probably tops the chart of “The best things about WFH”! Not having to dress up for work probably runs a close second as we can stay in our comfy PJs and still turn up for an early morning meeting well before its time.
Many of us are indeed grateful for work-from-home arrangement (or WFH) and hope that it will stay even after the pandemic ends. But in spite of its perks, many of us are increasingly experiencing screen fatigue, sluggishness, and even burnout contributed by WFH.
Here are 3 health concerns arising from WFH that you, too, may be experiencing.
1. Eye strain
You’ve probably felt your vision going a bit blurry and felt slightly dizzy after staring at your screen for hours. “Eye strain” is not uncommon among remote workers who spend extensive hours in front of their screens. As almost everything we’re doing is through screen, we’re taking fewer “visual breaks”, contracting our eye muscles without breaks.
“Sustained focus on screens is the main reason people working at home experience increased eye strain” said optometrist Danielle Richardson, OD.
Here’s a simple tip to relaxing your eyes offered by Richardson.
Adjust your screen angle to be 15 to 20 degrees below the horizontal eye level.
And here’s another tip from experts.
The 20-20-20 rule. Basically, after 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. Why not give it a try?
2. Weight gain and obesity
Being homebound and desk-bound most of the time, it’s no surprise if you’ve gained a few kilos, thanks to couch potato lifestyle and delicious snacks you can’t help eating.
But don’t be too self-critical if you’ve put on weight lately. While you hope to hit the gym soon, start with small but impactful exercises at home.
Whether it’s a simple home workout, yoga, pilates or even a brisk walk around your house, try to allocate at least 30 minutes each day to work up a sweat. Look up for video tutorials online if you need guide.
Exercising regularly will not only help you lose weight but reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer as well as mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
3. Back pain
Just sitting for hours on end can seriously hurt your back. You’re not alone as back pain or more precisely musculoskeletal pain is common among workers both in an office and at home.
Here are 3 practical tips to soothe your back pain as recommended by an ergonomics expert:
- Place your computer about an arm’s length away from you
- Keep your hips and knees at a 90-degree angle
- Get up and move or change your positions every hour of your workday
If your back pain persists, don’t ignore it. It may be more serious than you think, so see a doctor!
While staying home, remember to take care of your health! Eat healthy, stay active and positive, and if you can, get insured. Visit Bjak and get insured from as low as RM5 a day!
References:
Bjak.my 