With all that the industry has been through in the past few years, remote working has become, almost, a new norm. The short, two minute commute from your kitchen to your couch, the wait for your computer to load, and boom, you are now “clocked in”.

For all of those that still work remotely from home, we may not have to fight the under-caffeinated drivers, but instead we now deal with an even more unhealthy habit. (No, not having to chase down your two-year-old while still trying to keep your client engaged on your most recent Zoom call). I am referring to the seating arrangements we have introduced to our bodies. Bad posture equals poor work and further complications down the road.

Neck Problems

While you may feel comfortable in your chair, couch, or that new gaming recliner that you got for Christmas, the angle of your line-of-sight is really the thing you need to look out for. The constant staring you do towards your computer screen at the wrong angle could cause migraines, tension headaches, stiff necks, and pinched nerves.

The best way to combat this is to make sure that your computer is even to your eye level. If this is not possible, then set a timer and every 30 minutes to 50 minutes, do some neck rolls. Just slowly roll your neck to the left 5 times and then to the right 5 times. This will keep your neck loose and will help release any pinched nerves

Back Pains (other than your co-workers)

No matter how expensive or good a chair is, lower back pains are becoming increasingly more common to those that work on their computers. Even more so now that people are working from home and can work in other locations than an office desk chair.

We all get sucked into our projects and it seems that we tend to almost literally dive into our work. As the day goes on, people tend to get closer and closer to their computer screen. Tired arms and backs lead to you hunching over your keyboard and before you know it, you are starting to look like Quasimodo.

To relive this stress to your back, make sure you are sitting upright with your shoulders back. This will force you to straighten your spine, relieving lower back pressure, as well as pressure between your shoulder blades.

Just like for your neck, set a timer so that ten-minutes to each hour, you are standing up and stretching your back. Walk for 5 minutes to loosen your legs and the tension on your spine.

Body Pressure Points

When working 8 hours at a computer, there are so many ways (and reasons) to slump over your keyboard. Sometimes 5 o’clock doesn’t seem to get closer as you pound away at the keys. As you race through your to-do list, we tend to forget about the stress we put on our bodies. (This is not the same stress we receive from our bosses).

Our knees, back, and neck get “beat up” daily as we continue to work hard. These body pressure points could lead to some serious issues. This, in turn, could lead to you missing work and falling behind; which leads to more stress. A vicious cycle that we all try to avoid.

Just remember to take time out of your day to stand, stretch, and look at something that is not your computer.

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As a digital marketing specialist, I try to continuously better my knowledge of my industry. I also have to keep in mind that this involves more than just knowledge of SEO, PPC, Blogging, and Email Marketing. I have to find new and better ways to keep myself healthy, so that I am here for my company, my clients, and so that I can find my way to Happy Hour afterwards without the aches and pains.