It’s often said that our health is our wealth. Without good health, everyday tasks can really limit your ability to function, both at work and at home.
Here are five things you can do, to help you to prevent and manage pain, discomfort or injury at work.
1. Get back to basics
We know that the body is designed to be used in different positions and to do a variety of tasks. It is important to vary your work postures, positions and tasks throughout the day.
It’s also helpful to consider what you may be doing outside of work that could be contributing to any pain or symptoms you may be experiencing.
Reporting any pain to your employer at the onset can give you the best chance to get on top of things early.
2. Keep moving
Being mindful of your posture can require conscious effort. People who use computers tend to stare into their screen for long periods and can slowly get drawn into it. This can create strain in the spine and neck and lead to tension and pain.
If you’re often at your desk, keep moving throughout the day with the help of our desk exercises. And remember, the best posture is always the next one!
3. Take frequent breaks
We often want to get our work completed so we can leave the office on time. However, this does not mean that you should sit or stand for hours at a stretch and not allow yourself a break.
You may think that taking a break will waste your time, but taking a break can actually make you more productive.
Make a point to get away from what you are working on every now and again for a few minutes. The idea is to take a break and refresh yourself.
4. Learn to manage stress
Most of us lead busy lives that can get to us from time to time. Juggling several roles and responsibilities on a daily basis can often leave us exhausted.
Remember you’re only human so make time to do the things you enjoy outside of work. This can include things like spending time with your family, friends, reading books, walking or going to the gym.
The idea is to find a healthy balance by allowing yourself time to do the things you want to do.
5. Lift correctly
Poor technique when lifting can contribute to the onset of pain or injury. Check out our tips on manual handling to help you avoid unnecessary injuries.