How to Avoid Injuries While Working From Home: An Overview

How can we avoid injuries while working from home?

The pandemic has forced so many of us to work from home and we've been doing so for almost two years since the outbreak. There are also a lot more in the population who have been working from their homefront even before the pandemic.

While working from home is one of the most basic things we can do to avoid the spread of the virus, this does not mean that we are safe from other injuries or sicknesses.

More time at home means living a more sedentary lifestyle. The new setup has also led to more people experiencing back and neck pains or strains and other injuries.

Of course, it is essential to be able to work productively and get your work done. But what should be at the top of our priority is making sure we are safe and healthy.

Here are some ways to ensure that we are staying safe and how we can avoid injuries while working from home.

Tips to Avoid Injuries While Working From Home

1. Maintain Regular Hours While Working From Home

Working from home does not mean working 24/7. Although the rise of technology and social media has made it easier for us to communicate with our team, it can also spell disaster.

If we are not careful, this easy access to us can be the cause of our burnout. Just because people from work can quickly communicate with you with just a push of a button, this does not mean you need to be available 24/7.

Make sure you are maintaining regular working hours when you are working from home. Endure that you log off at the end of the day as well to give your brain and body time to recharge.

It's best to stick to the same schedule you had when working from an office.

2. Create a Morning Routine

Humans are creatures of habit. This is why creating a morning routine is essential for your overall well-being.

Whether that's having a quiet morning cup of coffee, doing some light stretches, or journaling. Make sure to carve out some time for yourself in the morning to give you the energy you need to face the day ahead.

3. Switch Up your Position When Working From Home

Working from home means long hours of sitting at your desk hunched over your laptop. This can be detrimental for your back, shoulders, neck, and hands.

Make sure to switch up your position from time to time. Try investing in a standing desk as well. This will greatly benefit your health and well-being.

4. Invest in an Ergonomic Work Station

Although companies are now allowing their employees to work from home, not all employers are able to provide ergonomic workstations for their employees.

An ergonomic workstation means creating an environment that is conducive to productivity. This is why recreating your workspace into a comfortable one is key to productivity.

Here are a few items to consider when setting up your work area:

• • Use a chair that supports you adequately and helps you maintain proper posture.
  • Ensure that you have proper eye level wherein the top of your monitor should be at your eye level or just slightly below it.
  • Your monitor should also be at least one foot away from your eyes.
  • Your mouse and keyboard should be positioned at elbow level to avoid straining.
  • Take care of your hands, arms, and wrists by making sure that your hands rest on the mouse. Additionally, your forearms should be rested on a flat surface. This will help avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Make sure your work area is wide enough for your laptop, extra screen, and other key items for work.

5. Be Mindful of Your Sitting Posture

It's important that we are mindful of how we sit when working from home. We can tend to slouch and hunch over our laptops when we are working. This is dangerous for our health, especially for our neck, back, and shoulders.

Make sure to sit with your feet firmly on the ground. This helps straighten your posture. Additionally, have your shoulders and hips in one line to lessen the weight on your spine.

6. Exercise Regularly

It can be tempting to live a more sedentary life when working from home. This is because we spend less time moving from one meeting room to another or have fewer officemates to walk over to during the workday.

A lot of us have found ourselves living a more sedentary lifestyle since working from home.

This is why adding exercise into your workday is so essential. Whether that's a gentle yoga flow or a full cardio workout. Make sure to add even just a few minutes of movement into your schedule.

7. Socialize with Colleagues

Socializing nowadays may be limited. But that doesn't mean we need to isolate ourselves completely. With the help of social media and technology, we can still be connected with our loved ones, friends, and family.

It's important to create breaks throughout the day to socialize. This gives our mind and body a chance to recharge.

8. Have Safety Standards to Avoid Injuries While Working From Home

We may not have the same level of safety standards at work as compared to our homes. But it is important to still maintain safety precautions to avoid injuries.

Additionally, if you live with children, it's possible to slip or trip over toys on the floor or spilled milk.

Here are a few ways to do ensure safety standards at home.

• Wear proper footwear to avoid slips and trips.
• Clean up spills immediately to avoid slipping.
• Keep the walkways clear from obstruction.
• Hold handrails when walking up or down the stairs.
• Avoid carrying too much while walking up or down the stairs.
• Avoid multitasking.
• Make sure areas where you pass are well-lit.

9. Be Aware of Your Surroundings to Avoid Injuries While Working From Home

Make sure to keep your work area safe from accidents.

• Keep sharp materials like ball pens, scissors, etc. in proper containers.
• Make sure your walkways are free from obstructions that you can bump into.
• It can get chaotic when working from home especially when you live with children, pets, or other family members. Make sure to create a separate space for you to work without distractions.

Always Put Safety First to Avoid Injuries While Working From Home

Working from home doesn't mean being safe automatically. There are still accidents and injuries that can happen. This is why making sure you are doing the right steps to avoid injuries is essential for you and your family's health.