Improve Your Workspace
By Sara Butler
You spend a lot of time at work -- 40 hours or more per week! For many people, a majority of that time is spent behind a desk, which makes a healthy workspace that much more important. If you want a workspace that is friendly to your body and your back, then here are a few ergonomic tips to help get you started.
The Chair
A posture-friendly chair is essential to a healthy body. You must have a chair that has proper arm support, adjustable height, and comfortable cushioning. It also needs to be able to swivel to help you move around as needed.
If you sit for several hours at a time, then you must make sure to set an alarm on your phone or computer reminding you to take a break at least once an hour. During the break, stand up, move around a little, and stretch. This will help you to maintain better posture throughout the day.
The Computer
Your computer monitor should be at eye level or just a hair below it in order to keep your neck and back healthy. If you have to tilt your head down all day, then you’re putting stress and strain on your neck, upper back, and shoulders -- stress and strain that will eventually catch up with you and create problems. You can buy stands for your monitor, both desktop and laptop, to help achieve this but in a pinch, a stack of books will do!
Accessories
You have all kinds of little gadgets that help you get your work done, such as your keyboard and mouse. You can find ergonomic versions of each that help keep your wrists and hands at a proper angle as your work. These accessories will contribute to a more comfortable work day and help to keep your wrists and hands healthy.
The Desk
Studies have proven recently that sitting for hours every day can lead to a lot of damage to your whole body, but especially your spine. To help combat this, consider standing while your work for at least part of the day. Standing desks can be found that make this easy and will give your back and neck a break from the stress and strain that so much sitting puts on them.
Don’t overlook your workspace when it comes to your health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenwood Village, Colo.