Brits remote working from bed

COVID-19 has transformed the way the nation works and many of us have been remote working for almost a year. However, despite the lie ins and saved expenditures, this increase in sedentary lifestyle could be detrimental to our health.

Research found that office workers spending eight hours a day sat at a desk are 60% more likely to die early from illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. These risks are even greater whilst working from home as studies show we are working up to 3 hours more in the evenings.

According to some studies, the mortality rate is increased by 2% for every seated hour and can reach up to 8% per hour when the total consecutive time spent seated is above eight hours per day.

Our time spent stagnant is further exacerbated by the work from home message, cutting out our morning commutes and lunch runs. 

In line with this, a survey found that the sedentary lifestyle associated with remote working is resulting in significant musculoskeletal complaints. More than half of the survey respondents reported new aches and pains, especially in the neck (58%), shoulder (56%) and back (55%), compared to their normal physical condition before working from home.

Aston spoke to Max Vialou-Clark, managing director at AJ Products  to talk more about the research, offer tips and tricks to keep us moving and improve our physical and mental health whilst remote working

Photo by Glenn Carstens Peter on Unsplash