Welcome to working from home. You may be a seasoned home-worker or this may be your first time. Either way there are some simple but effective things you can do to keep yourself comfortable, healthy and productive.
Poor posture can cause fatigue which can set in quickly and affect our concentration, productivity and well-being. When you work from home there is less need to move. This can affect the oxygen in your soft tissues, cause discomfort and affect everything you do.
Set an alarm on your phone to take a short break every 20-30 minutes. If you are working on a couch, dining room chair or at a kitchen counter you may need to take a shorter break even more frequently.
Use your break time well. Below is a list of stretching exercises to help keep you energized. You can also download an App by searching Healthy Working in the Apple and Android stores.
Note: When doing stretching exercises, always stay within your own limits and follow your doctor's advice.
Forearm Stretch Down
Hold your right arm out in front of you - hand facing out and your fingers pointing down. With your left hand pull downwards until you feel a stretch along the right forearm and/or wrist. Repeat for the left arm.
Forearm Stretch Up
Hold your right arm out in front of you - hand facing down. Place your left hand across the palm of your right hand and pull up until you feel a stretch in the forearm and/or wrist. Repeat for the left arm.
Forearm Wrist Stretch
Place your hands together in a prayer position. Apply gentle pressure allowing your palms to make contact and your wrists to bend back, until you feel a stretch on the back of your forearm.
Arms Across Chest
Raise your right arm to near shoulder level. Grasp behind the right elbow with your left hand and pull the arm across your chest until you feel a stretch on the back of the right shoulder. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat with the other arm.
Arms Behind Back
Stand up. Clasp your hands behind your back then push out your chest. Stretch your shoulders backwards, pulling the shoulder blades together to feel a stretch across your upper and lower back.
Ceiling Stretch
Stretch your right hand straight up towards the ceiling. Hold for 5 seconds. Lower your arm. Repeat with your left hand.
Lean Back
Make sure there is plenty of room behind your chair. Put your hands behind your head and lean back in your chair. DO NOT lean so far back that your chair becomes unstable.
Pull Shoulders Back
Sitting upright in your chair (so that your back is not touching the back rest), pull your shoulders backwards until you feel a slight stretch across your chest.
Relax Back
Move your chair back from your desk. Lean forward, resting your forearms on your knees. Relax for 5-10 seconds before returning to your normal seated position.
Blink
Close and open your eyes several times to relax and moisten your eyes.
Look Into The Distance
Periodically focus on an object that is at least 10' (3m) away from your desk (as this helps to work the distance muscles of your eyes).
Roll Eyes
Roll your eyes several times, looking around the room as you do so.
Head Turn
Slowly turn your head to the side until you feel a slight stretch in your neck muscles. Repeat, turning to the other side, remembering to move your neck slowly.
Neck Tuck
Drop your head down onto your chest until you feel a slight stretch across the back of your neck. Hold for a few seconds then raise your head.
Remember, your health and well-being is the most important thing to us. This homeworking period is temporary and difficult for all of us, Stan State Administration is here to support you through this challenging period.
Updated: January 19, 2023