Working from home has become very common these days. Many people are now able to work from cafes, coffee shops, parks, and most sinisterly, their beds. 72% of 1,000 Americans surveyed said they had worked remotely from their bed during the pandemic – a 50% increase since the start of the crisis. But what may seem on the surface like a comfortable privilege when working from home is actually a dangerous habit that may be detrimental to your physical and mental health. But how?
Is it really bad to work from bed? What happens when you work from bed for a year?
Would you get sick? Would you get tired? Would you lose weight or gain weight? Would you have any side effects?
Read on to find out.
What are the consequences of working from bed?
Reduced Productivity
The first thing that comes to mind when we think about the consequences of working from bed is reduced productivity. When you sit in your bed while working, you are confusing your brain between two different activities, work and sleep. Confused, you will have a harder time being focused when working, and also a harder time falling asleep at night, inhibiting your proper rest and further damaging your productivity the next day.
Increased Risk Of Injury
When you’re sitting in bed all day, your body gets used to this position. You might not even realize it, but your back muscles start getting weaker by default. This means that if you suddenly get up from your desk chair and go straight into bed, you may experience pain in your lower back. If you continue to do so, your back muscles will eventually weaken to the point where they can no longer support your spine properly. This could lead to serious injury such as slipped discs, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, etc.
Decreased Energy Levels
Another consequence of working from bed is decreased energy levels. As mentioned before, your body gets used to living in a certain position all day long. Your blood pressure starts rising, your heart rate increases, and your metabolism slows down. All of this leads to an overall decrease in energy levels.
Lack of Exercise
Working from bed does not necessarily mean that you exercise less than the average person needs. However, if you spend more than 8 hours per day in bed, then chances are that you won’t be getting enough exercise, and this can be incredibly harmful. In fact, according to Harvard Medical School, “People who don’t move around much tend to put on weight faster than those who walk, jog, bike, play sports, or dance.” So, if you want to stay healthy, make sure you keep moving throughout the day, and avoid spending long stretches in your bed.
Stressful Environment
One of the biggest problems with working from bed is that it creates a stressful environment. It is impossible to relax and unwind when you’re constantly thinking about what you need to do the next day. On top of that, there are many distractions in your bedroom — your phone, TV, computer, alarm clock, etc. — which makes it hard to focus on anything else. When you introduce work into the space where you are meant to be the most relaxed, you will have trouble finding relaxation when you need to, and feel like you are constantly having to think about work.
What To Do Instead
1) Make Your Designated Office Space Comfortable
If your office space is uncomfortable, you may slip into the habit of working from bed. You should always try to make your designated office space as comfortable as possible. A good way to do this is to add some extra pillows to your bed, chairs, and desks. This will help you to feel more comfortable and relaxed in your home, and will allow you to concentrate on your work without feeling too uncomfortable.
2) Get Enough Sleep
If you really want to avoid working from bed for the sake of your health, then you should make sure that you get enough sleep every night. According to The Mayo Clinic, people who sleep fewer than 6 hours per night are twice as likely to die early compared to those who get 7-8 hours of sleep. So, if you want a healthier life, make sure that you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. If you're well rested, you'll have an easier time getting out of bed in the morning, and staying out until it is time to sleep at night.
