Is it psychologically wrong to work from the bed?

With the explosion of the smart working and the need to carve out new spaces in the house, work from bed instead of from the desk, it might be a comfortable temptation for many, an excuse to curl up in pajamas all day.

But with all due respect to those who argue that in order not to fall into physical and mental laziness you need to set a tone and schedule your days with precise rhythms, what’s wrong with staying in bed? According to research conducted by Ascenti in the UK, 55% of people prefer to work from bed since the start of the pandemic.

And, good news: according to experts it’s not necessarily a bad habit for health.

“The bed can feel like a quiet, safe space, particularly when anxiety is a concern and you suffer from stress,” says Kerry Quigley, an accredited counselor for the British Association for counseling and psychotherapy. “Eliminating stress allows you to better structure your day and time management, increasing productivity and improving job satisfaction”.

The important thing is to set up this “makeshift office” with full awareness, to avoid it having a rebound effect on mental health. “Whenever possible, incorporate exercises, regular breaks and social interaction into your daily routine.”

As Paul McCrossin, president of the United Chiropractic Association and interviewed by the Otty brand points out, staying in bed can have negative effects. “Beds are designed for rest and sleep, spending too much time in bed can impact health in different ways. Lying down for long periods can lead to stiffness, physical pain, fatigue and poor concentration ».

In short, working from the bed yes, but it must not become a habit to be constantly with “sunken” neck and humped back. For the diehard, lazy, or who just feel more comfortable in their undisturbed comfort zone, Paul McCrossin recommends some gesti to put into practice to work from the bed by improving posture.

1. Sit with your back upright as much as possible, placing a pillow behind your lower back and placing the computer on a shelf in front of you. (There are bed trays or specially made mobile tables).
2. Place the computer at chest height.
3. Avoid hunching over the front when looking down.
4. Move regularly, preferably every 30-45 minutes.
5. Make movements that compensate for the position you have been in. For example, extending your arms above your head allows you to stretch the spine.