Teleworking and physical health: how remote working affects our physical well-being
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In this document:
👉 Practical and effective methods for integrating teleworkers into physical and sporting activity to promote their well-being and commitment.
Telecommuting has revolutionized the way we work, offering flexibility and time savings. However, it also poses challenges for our physical health. Posture, physical activity, diet... So many aspects influenced by this way of working. Let's analyze these impacts and explore solutions for preserving our bodily well-being.
The impact of teleworking on posture and musculoskeletal pain
The absence of a suitable work environment can lead to postural problems, muscular pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Many teleworkers use unsuitable chairs, work on the sofa or at the kitchen table, which can lead to back, neck and wrist strain.
Solutions exist to limit these risks:
- Invest in ergonomic equipment: an adjustable office chair, a footrest and a screen support help improve posture.
- Take regular breaks: getting up, stretching and changing position every hour helps prevent pain.
- Adopt the right posture: keep the screen at eye level and your forearms parallel to the floor to reduce muscle tension.
The influence of teleworking on daily physical activity levels
Remote working reduces the need to commute and encourages a more sedentary lifestyle. Gone are the days of commuting and climbing stairs. This reduction in physical activity can lead to weight gain, lower energy levels and circulation problems.
A few tips for staying active:
- Incorporate movement into your day: walk while phoning, stretch or use a sit-stand desk.
- Regular physical activity: a sports session at the end of the day, or an active break (yoga, stretching) between two meetings.
- Set goals: 30 minutes of daily walking, a pedometer to track your steps or a personal sporting challenge.
In short: combine teleworking and sport!
Teleworking and food management: opportunities and challenges
Working from home can have a positive impact on diet, with the possibility of preparing more balanced home-cooked meals. However, snacking is a major temptation, facilitated by the proximity of the kitchen and the absence of colleagues to share a structured meal.
Healthy eating at home:
- Meal planning: plan balanced menus to avoid eating on the run.
- Adopt healthy snacks: fruit, oilseeds, plain yoghurt or homemade snacks(banana bread, mini marbrés, chocolate flan, energy balls...) and limit cookies and sweets.
- Set fixed times: define a time for lunch and breaks to avoid impulsive snacking.
Strategies for maintaining a healthy physical balance while teleworking
For a balanced telecommuting lifestyle, it's essential to adopt a healthy, structured routine.
- Design an ergonomic workspace: a well-equipped and organized office promotes good posture.
- Daily physical activity: incorporate sports or walking into your schedule.
- Take regular breaks Move every hour to limit sedentary lifestyles.
- Adopt a balanced diet: stay well hydrated and structure your meals to avoid snacking.
Teleworking has many advantages, but it is not without impact on our physical health. By adopting good practices, we can take advantage of this way of working while preserving our physical well-being.
By Candice Lhomme
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This five-part guide presents practical and effective methods for integrating teleworkers into physical and sporting activities, thereby promoting their well-being and commitment.
In this study:
👉 Understanding the specific needs of teleworkers
👉 Setting up adapted sports activities
👉 Promoting commitment and participation
👉 Integration into the corporate culture
👉 Evaluation and ongoing adjustment
to adopt sport at work
Find out at a glance why integrating Physical and Sports Activity (PSA) into the workplace is a powerful lever for your teams' well-being and performance.
