Fitter First: Working from home in an active environment

Working from home in an active environment

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced much of the office community in Calgary to pack up their things and set up shop in the comfort of their homes.

Although we are suddenly forced to work remotely it is important to remember that there has never been a better time to remotely work and stay connected to your office teams.

Here are a few things that anyone can do to make your home workspace more comfortable and active.

Making a comfortable home office space

Without time to plan, many may find that their home workspace is sub-par at best. You might have to work in the kitchen, living room, basement, or even the garage. No matter what your situation is, here are a few things you can do now to make your space better:

• Find the chair in your home that offers the best support for your back
• Ask if it is possible to take your screens home with you if you are accustomed to using dual screen (space permitted)
• Surround your workspace in items that make you happy (Plants, pictures, candles, and memorabilia). Remember, you’re at home and don’t have to worry about what your co-workers think of your desk swag.

Stay active during the day

You may find that throughout the last couple of weeks of working away from the office that your daily activity has declined. Here are some things you can do to get that activity back during your workday.

• Stand up during video/phone calls (Pro-tip: rest your laptop or tablet on a raised object such as books or a cardboard box)
• Get up from your desk, kitchen table, or wherever you place your computer, every hour to stretch your legs, back, and neck
• Give your eyes a rest; Every 20 minutes look up from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away
• Go for a walk outside during a break! Just be sure to practice physical distancing from others.

It's not just about standing or sitting, but about your access to movement

Fitter First recommends that being active while at work is a benefit to living better in all aspects of your life.

Practicing activity in the home office benefits:

• Strengthening muscles
• Improving posture
• Relief from back pain
• Enhancing balance and stability
• Increasing flexibility and range of motion
• Improving blood circulation and lymphatic flow
• Burning more calories throughout the day

“Balance is the essence of movement, movement is the essence of Life.” – Louis Stack