If you’re working at home for the moment due to the pandemic, or if you’re a regular home worker or blogger, you might want to consider your health needs when you’re creating your home office. A few adjustments might be needed to ensure better health, so for your physical and your mental wellbeing, consider the following tips on creating a healthier home office.
#1: Support your body ergonomically
When thinking of ergonomics, you might automatically think of your chair. Many office chairs have been built with ergonomics in mind to support the user’s posture and to protect their spine health. This is certainly something you should think about when buying your office chair, but there are other purchases you can make too.
You might consider an ergonomic keyboard, for example, as these have been specially designed to reduce muscle strain. The same applies to the best ergonomic mice, as these have also been designed to alleviate pressure on the muscles and joints. Such purchases will ensure your comfort and protect the greater needs of your physical health when working.
#2: Illuminate your workstation
Poor lighting can impair your ability to work effectively, and it can cause you to experience eyestrain and headaches too. So, if you can, work in a room that brings in plenty of natural light. Admittedly, sun glare can be an issue when you’re trying to work, but a good set of blinds will reduce this and still let in some natural light from outside.
If natural light is an issue, perhaps because your home office doesn’t allow it or because you work into the evening, illuminate your workstation with a desk lamp. Just be sure to position it in a way that allows it to shine on your keyboard or paperwork, and not on your computer screen or face, to reduce the glare and to alleviate eyestrain. For more advice, check out these useful tips for better home office lighting.
#3: Improve the air quality
Poor air quality in a workplace can cause fatigue, headaches, and eye and throat irritation. A lack of ventilation can be the cause of poor air quality, as can dust and the toxic effects of chemicals that might be used in cleaning products.
You can improve the air quality in your home office by opening the windows to ensure proper airflow. Air purifiers can help too, as can a few well-positioned plants. You should also clean your home office on a regular basis to remove any lingering dust. However, when using cleaning products, avoid using those that release toxic pollutants into the air. Use natural cleaning products instead of their chemical alternatives to avoid breathing in anything dangerous to your health.
Finally
The healthier your home office is, the better protected you will be. You will work more productively too, as you shouldn’t experience those health problems that could impede your need to work. So, consider our suggestions and then take other steps to protect your health. Stay hydrated during the day, eat healthy snacks, and take time away from your desk occasionally to get your body moving. You will feel more energized if you do, which is good news when you have a lot of work to crack on with.
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