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Stacey Pierce-Talsma, D.O., M.S., MEdL, associate dean of Academic Affairs in UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM), recently discussed avoiding aches and pains while working from home in the Healthy Living section of Doctors That DO, a website of the American Osteopathic Association.

While working from home can have many benefits, it may also increase discomfort and lead to overuse injuries that result from an improperly configured home workspace.

Pierce-Talsma offers several tips, including setting up your work space properly.

“If it makes you feel more comfortable, alternating between a seated desk and a standing desk can be a good thing, but it is important to understand that standing for long periods with no breaks may have some negative effects, just like sitting for long periods,” Pierce-Talsma told Doctors That DO.

Pierce-Talsma says it is key to take breaks to move and stretch, while finding the best stretches that are most helpful to you. She says it is also important that you do not ignore discomfort.

“It’s very important not to ignore aches and pains, because they can really add up over time,” Pierce-Talsma notes.

Above all, she says be kind to yourself.

“We all have high standards for ourselves and our work, but there’s a pandemic going on right now,” she explained. “My advice is give yourself a break. Everyone is doing the best they can and sometimes it is okay to get by and not expect so much from yourself.”