A frightening sight: scientists have shown how a person will look after years of remote work

Experts have created a model depicting what a person in 2045 might look like if they have to work from home in the next 25 years. The remote worker is represented as a virtual model "Susan" - and her appearance is a terrifying picture created by clinical psychologists and fitness experts, writes The Daily Mail.

Photo: Shutterstock

Susan has hunched shoulders, a double chin, obesity and "digital eye strain" - dry, bloodshot eyes from staring at a computer screen all day.

According to experts at DirectlyApply, the image of this model describes the effects that distant work can have on our bodies if we do not take the necessary steps to avoid this.

Although many remote workers enjoyed extra sleep and comfortable home clothes during quarantine, future pandemics may mean that the benefits of this lifestyle will be significantly outweighed by long-term physical effects on our bodies.

Let's look at the various challenges that Susan and other remote workers might face by 2045.

Computer Vision Syndrome

If you look at the screens all day, this can cause the so-called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome resulting from repeated eye movements. This leads to dryness, inflammation and redness of the eyes, to their irritation, as well as blurred vision.

Ophthalmologists recommend taking breaks in working with screens for 15-30 minutes, moving their eyes to distant objects; sit 2 feet (60 cm) from the monitor; reduce glare using softer lighting; ensure that the glasses and contact lenses that you wear meet your visual needs.

Bad posture

Lack of exercise and sitting for long periods of time in a hunched position in front of a screen can all lead to a stretched neck, rounded shoulders and a hunch that develops over time. It will run from your neck to your arms and back.

According to estimates of the Special Surgery Hospital (HSS) in New York, we begin to stoop after 15 minutes of sitting or standing in the same place.

Experts recommend regularly changing the position on the chair and, if necessary, correct it.

“Even if you are comfortable, you should never sit in one position for more than an hour,” says HSS. — It is recommended to get up and move around every 30–40 minutes. It also reminds you to change your posture when you return to work.”

Repetitive Surge Injury

We are talking about pain in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and excessive tension. In the hands and wrists, this manifests itself in the form of sensations of heat or tingling, weakness, sensitivity, or seizures.

Repeated overvoltage injuries can worsen significantly and eventually lead to poor posture in other parts of the body.

The NHS recommends maintaining good posture while working, taking regular breaks from long or repetitive tasks and making sure your workstation, keyboard, mouse and screen are positioned in a way that will cause the least amount of strain on your work. Users are advised not to tap the keyboard while typing.

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"Technical neck"

Working with a device such as a phone or laptop can contribute to the modern term “technical neck”, also called cervical kyphosis, which leads to abnormal curvature of the cervical spine.

This is caused by muscle tension when using gadgets, which leads to pain in the neck and shoulders, stiffness and soreness. The condition often affects other muscles and parts of the body.

Dr. Daniel Reeve, a professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, says we all need to get up and move more often.

“If you have a sedentary job, at least every 15 to 30 minutes you should get up and walk around for at least a minute,” he said. “It will get the blood circulating and your neck will be in a different position [and] it will not only be good for your neck, but the rest of your body as well.” Research shows that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your heart and shortens your lifespan."

Remote workers need a chair with good lumbar support and the ability to recline as far as technically possible - this position relieves tension in the neck muscles. In addition, it is recommended to equip your workplace so that you can work while standing part of the time.

Hair loss

Vitamin D is primarily produced under the sun, so working all day indoors can lead to vitamin deficiencies in the body. This can cause hair loss while delaying new hair growth.

The best way to avoid this is to use your lunch break to get some sunshine by popping into the shops, running errands or even relaxing in the garden or outdoors if you have access to it.

Pale, dull and wrinkled skin

A lack of vitamin D and B-12 due to reduced exposure to sunlight can lead to pale, dull and emaciated skin. To avoid this, go outside and breathe fresh air during a precious lunch break.

It's also important to use skin protection products during the height of summer or any other time when there is a lot of sun - including a sun hat.

Although we do not know Susan's age, her face is markedly full of wrinkles. Although wrinkles are a natural part of aging, certain habits, such as making eye contact with the screen throughout the day, can increase the appearance of lines forming beneath the surface of the skin, leading to wrinkles such as crow's feet or deeper folds.

Drinking plenty of water, not smoking, and staying out of the sun are all good ways to keep your skin smooth and healthy.

Dark circles under the eyes

If you look at several screens during work all day, this can cause dark circles to appear on the skin under the eyes, which makes us look tired and exhausted.

According to the Mayo Clinic Research Center in the US, we can avoid circles and puffiness by reducing fluid intake before bed and reducing the amount of salt in our diet, avoiding smoking and getting - for most adults - seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

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Obesity

Long periods of stay in the room, constant snacking and lack of exercise can lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the body over time.

Working from home may increase the temptation to hit the fridge hourly, but this is often a result of boredom rather than hunger. So try to avoid snacking between meals - which can be a major cause of weight gain - exercise, get out of the house and create a diet plan to avoid packing on the pounds.

Stress increase

Prolonged lack of contact with other people and overwork can lead to an increase in the level of the stress hormone cortisol, which raises blood pressure and has a detrimental effect on physical health. Communicate with colleagues and friends through video chat, try to go out to live meetings when it is safe from the point of view of social distance.

How To Not Become Susan

The DirectApply study offered advice on how to maintain a good level of physical and mental health when working remotely.

1. When working remotely, a constant work and rest schedule is important. Routine is the key to emotional and physical health.

2. Maintain positive social relationships: communicate with people in any way possible.

3. Exercise. Plan them every day and try to breathe air whenever possible.

4. Look for a balance between work and personal life: when working remotely, it is easy to lose. Remember that for your health you must not limit life to work.

5. Use your free time wisely. Spend it with friends or family, outdoors or while doing exercises.

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