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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Kirsty McKenzie

Terrifying model Susan shows extent of damage working from home can cause

We've been warned by Beyonce not to trust 'Becky' and in recent months 'Karen' has become the ultimate online jibe used to describe problematic behaviour.

But now we're all trying to avoid being 'Susan' - a terrifying model created to warn people of the potential health dangers of spending hours hunched over a computer.

After over 25 years in front of the screen, Susan has been left with hair loss, a double chin, poor vision and rounded shoulders.

The grim prediction is an example of what can happen to us all if we spend too much time at our desks: bloodshot eyes from strain to look at the screen, a ghostly collection from lack of sunshine, deep set wrinkles from squinting at the screen, a hyper-extended neck and dark circles around her eyes.

Job search engine DirectlyApply created Susuan after working with a team of clinical psychologists and fitness experts.

The team also found that long periods of time without human touch can lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which raises blood pressure.

And they predicted lack of exercise - apart from the hourly shuffle towards the fridge - would do some serious damage to workers waistlines.

To stop workers turning into Susan, psychologist Dr Rachel M Allan suggests sticking to a routine to “optimise focus”.

She added it is also important to connect with colleagues, explaining: “Some of our most important professional relationships have their origins in the informal chats and unstructured moments that occur organically in the physical workplace. Remote working may require us to build in opportunities to connect informally with colleagues.”

Experts also recommend exercising after work as a way to maintain optimal health.

A DirectlyApply spokesperson said: “While your bed-to-desk commute may allow for more free time and independence, will the physical repercussions to your mind and body be worth it in the future?

“Susan outlines the many physical implications of what spending hours glued to your laptop can unknowingly be doing to your physical and mental wellbeing.”

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