Freelance work, not requiring you to be in the office 8 hours a day, is the dream of many young people. However, this does not mean that you will be completely comfortable doing what you like without any pressure, stress, or the "chorus" of neck and shoulder pain every time you sit at your desk.
As a true freelancer with two roles: product photographer and content creator - Ms. Ha Nang understands better than anyone the difficulties and challenges behind the glamorous appearance of freelance work. Her honest sharing, experiences in building habits, scientific working processes and designing ergonomic working corners will help you to limit some problems with bones, joints, spine, discs... - common "occupational diseases" that freelancers sometimes encounter.

Work and time management
As a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose your work, your time and your location. However, this freedom is a double-edged sword. Without a plan and discipline, if you are not skillful in arranging your schedule properly, you can easily fall into a state of panic before the deadline because you have become the "relaxing girl/guy", or vice versa, you will be exhausted because you are too greedy for work.
Let's try to build a more scientific work schedule with two methods introduced by Ms. Ha Nang: Time blocking and Pomonoro.
Time blocking method
By making a list of all the tasks that need to be done during the day, and then dividing the day into fixed blocks of time to complete specific tasks, you will have a clearer picture of the amount of work and the time needed to complete it. The more detailed the plan, the easier it is to control and execute.

Note:
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Each group of tasks will be suitable for different lengths of time, for example, processing emails and messages should be placed in a short time at the beginning of the day, while important projects need to be prioritized for more time.
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Arranging work time blocks needs to be balanced with rest time, entertainment or personal activities.
Pomodoro Method
The Pomodoro technique is an effective time management method, by dividing working time into 25-minute intervals, interspersed with 5-minute breaks. This is also a method that Ms. Ha Nang is extremely fond of, especially for jobs that require sitting for long periods of time and deep concentration such as photo editing, video editing, content scripting...

Note:
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During your 25-minute work session, try to focus fully, staying away from unnecessary electronic devices if they distract you.
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During the 5-minute break, change your position frequently or stand up and walk around. You can do some gentle exercises and stretches to help reduce stress and fatigue, while increasing concentration.
Invest in a quality ergonomic chair
Before finding a truly suitable chair, Ms. Ha Nang had diverse experiences with many types of chairs and had quite detailed reviews of the advantages and disadvantages of each product line:
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Gaming chair
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Kneeling chair
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Kneeling chair
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Advantage
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Disadvantages
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In the end, Ms. Ha Nang decided to stick with EasyChair 2.0. This is an ergonomic chair with a flexible design, focusing on optimal comfort and support for the user. "A suitable chair will really change your working experience" - Ms. Ha Nang said.

Epione EasyChair 2.0 stands out with its soft, elegant design with curves that simulate the body shape.
Modern, flexible double backrest hugs every movement, can be raised and lowered 6cm, deeply affecting the back and spine. The 3-level True Tilt reclining mechanism combined with Tension Control helps avoid the feeling of being unsteady when reclining. Pro-Fit 3D headrest adjusts in multiple directions, hugs the neck and nape; flexible 3D armrest, can be folded when not in use 2D seat tray adjusts back and forth to suit leg length. Krall + Roth mesh material from Germany is soft, breathable and safe; sturdy powder-coated alloy legs, load-bearing up to 140kg.

Note:
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Carefully research reputable, quality ergonomic chair brands that clearly state the warranty period.
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Don't choose a chair just because it's expensive or cheap. Find out what size and features are right for your body and needs.
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A good chair is the foundation for a correct and comfortable sitting posture, and it will be your reliable companion at work.
Adjust the working screen position

Finally, something that few people pay attention to, even though we face it every day, is the position of the computer screen. A screen that is too high or too low can cause users to constantly lean forward or bow their heads too far, causing strain on the neck and back.
When setting up your work area, make sure the top of the screen is at eye level or slightly lower than eye level, so you don't have to bow your head or look up too much when using the computer.
Note:
Additional accessories such as monitor shelves or monitor lifts can be used to adjust the height to suit. Make sure the distance between your eyes and the screen is about 1 arm's length. Regularly check and adjust your monitor position to ensure you always have the most comfortable working posture.
See more setup tips for freelancers here:
https://epione.vn/blogs/goc-setup/y-tuong-setup-van-phong-tai-nha-freelancers
Back pain is a common problem that many of us face, and without proper prevention and treatment, it can seriously affect your health and productivity. Hopefully this information will help you have a more comfortable and healthy workspace.