Whether you work from home or work from an office you spend a lot of time behind your desk. The wrong position can wreak havoc on your entire body. Tension builds up in your back, circulation is cut off to your legs, you’re a mess- so what do you do about it? Get ergonomic.
How to set your self up right
Proper sitting position can help you improve your physical well-being and improve your performance at work. An uneasy body can be severely incapacitated long before you even realize there is a problem. Sitting in a comfortable but well supported position keeps your blood flowing and your mind functioning well. A few points to consider when taking a closer look at your current office situation are:
1 – Your Seat
Does your chair have proper lumbar support? A good chair is well worth the cost you pay for it. Make sure it has adjustable support for lower back, and fits your body and supports your shoulders as well. Keep your chair in proper working order. Little tilts can mean you have to compensate for movements and hold the chair steady putting further stress on yourself.
2 – Level of Activity
Make sure your arms are held at a proper 45 degree angle and your wrists appropriately bent. A good ergonomic keyboard and a desk with an adjustable rather than stationary keyboard holder will make it easier to place yourself in the correct and comfortable position.
3 – The Eyes have it
Eyestrain is a common problem for people who spend a lot of time behind a computer screen. The height of your monitor and distance from your seat will make a big difference in your comfort and well-being. Getting an adjustable monitor stand can allow you to raise and lower your monitor so it is at perfect eye level as well as move it forward or back easy to adjust for your position.
4 – Pain in the Neck
Neck pain is one of the most common complaints of office workers but rarely to people understand that neck pain is not often caused by neck position but rather arm and wrist position. Strain on the upper back and shoulders makes muscles in the neck bunch to compensate and develops spasms and knots. Adding adjustable arms supports added to your work station as well as ergonomic keyboards help reduce arm and shoulder strain and ease the pressure on your neck muscles.
5 – Wrist pain
Carpel tunnel is the most common work related injury and it is avoidable. A good keyboard station, an ergonomic mouse pad that allows easy fluid movement and is curved to move the wrist instead of holding it in a stationary position are all easy to accomplish things that will relieve pressure on that sensitive tendon in your wrists.
Paying attention to the little things that keep your body comfortable and supported will ensure you have a long productive life free and be the successful person you know you can be 🙂