The COVID-19 pandemic spelled out disaster for masses around the globe. The entire outlook of the world changed in a matter of days- from hospitality and entertainment franchises closing down operations, multinational corporations and small businesses shutting their front doors, and many many bankruptcy claims.

Amidst the havoc, many organizations fought for dear life, for survival. As a result of this, from February of 2020, you might have found yourself stuck working from home, struggling to accustom yourself to this new change in lifestyle.

What little exercise your previous corporate job had allowed you is also null now- no walking through the parking lot, no grabbing lunch with colleagues, no walking across the office for team meetings. Now, all there is to work is putting on a decent shirt and settling yourself in front of your laptop. And the rest of the day passes in the snap of the finger.

You might not have realized (or maybe the growing aches and discomfort might have given you an idea) that your body has been thrown completely out of sync.

You’re taking less than 500 steps a day. Do you think this is normal?

Your body is screaming for help, and this is how it’s telling you to mend your ways.

1. Neck, shoulder, or back pains

Your bones and muscles start deteriorating when there’s a significant lack of physical activity. In other words, your body starts deconditioning when your muscles don’t move as they used to.

Lower back pain is usually developed when you remain seated for too long. Similarly, if you’re experiencing pain in the neck or shoulders, your posture is the culprit. When you bend over your laptop or slouch while working, it is bound to hurt your body.

Try working out at least 3-4 times a week to fix the aches. Additionally, try not to remain seated the entire day while working. For example, if you’re in a meeting or are making a report, you can do so by standing at your kitchen counter.

2. Poor computer vision

Since you started working from home, you might be experiencing vision-related problems. Due to the rays that emerge from digital screens, you’re bound to experience discomfort after spending days upon day staring at a screen.

This is also known as digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, and can cause eye strain, blurred vision, shoulder and neck pain, headaches, or dry eyes. To combat this, the American Optometric Association recommends taking a break after every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, staring at something 20 meters away.

3. Poor medical condition

Work from home can also foster adverse medical conditions such as atelectasis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or blood-related issues.

Atelectasis is a lung-related condition in which air sacs in the organ fail to pop open, leading to fever or even pneumonia. Remaining seated throughout the day may not present chances to take deep breaths, which is bad for your body. So, make a mental note or set a reminder of taking deep breaths a few times in an hour.

Moreover, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition involving the median nerve that causes a tingling sensation or numbness in the fingers. While working, it is important to exercise the fingers regularly to avoid developing the condition.

Lastly, another important issue is that of circulation. The limited physical activity can cause many cardiac-related problems, all due to a lack of circulation.

Take Away

When your body is being subjected to natural situations, it will react to alert you of your wrong-doings. Pay attention and act accordingly. At the end of the day, your health and well-being are in your hands alone.