Many office workers spend many hours a day working at a computer. If this describes you then you are probably well aware that repetitive motions are a part of working at a desk job.
Many of these kinds of jobs come with a unique set of health concerns such as eyestrain, back, neck and shoulder pain, and the concern that carpal tunnel syndrome will set in.
How you position your chair at your desk in relation to where your computer sits can help alleviate some of these potential health worries and can prevent tension in the muscles and joints.
The same can be said for doing some simple stretching exercises throughout your work day. A small dose of prevention can count for a great deal down the line.
Think Ergonomically!
Ergonomics is the new buzz word in the workplace. Ergonomics is defined as “the science of designing the job, equipment and workplace to fit the worker.” When a work area is designed in ergonomically correct ways it can be beneficial in preventing repetitive strain injuries which can develop slowly over time and can lead to long-term painful disabilities for the individuals affected.
This explains why having a work station that is as user friendly as can be is so imperative for the health of the employee.
A user friendly work station will reduce a great majority of the aches and pains that you feel in your body when your work day draws to a close. To improve your work station you need to keep ergonomics in mind at all times. In other words, ensure that your computer, your chair and your desk are positioned in such a manner that your optimum level of health is front and center at all times.
When sitting at your desk do not slouch or hunch forward in your chair. Exercise good posture. Sit back in the proper position in your chair and allow the lumbar support to do its job in keeping your head and neck straight. Make sure you sit up straight!
If your job keeps you at your computer for extended periods of time make sure that you take stretch breaks or walk breaks as often as possible. It is recommended that you take a five minute break after every 30 to 60 minutes of work done. Not only will this give your body a much needed break but it will give your eyes a break from your computer screen and your mind a chance to briefly focus on something else.
Aim for a Comfy Work Station:
Your workstation must conform to you if it is to work to your advantage, and not the other way around. To begin with you need to decide upon the surface height of your desk.
Will you be standing most of the time, sitting or doing a bit of both? The height of the workstation needs to take into consideration the tasks you are performing as well as your own height.
The seat of your computer chair should be such that the work surface is as high as your elbows. You should be able to fit a person’s fist behind the calf and extend it to the front of the edge of the chair. While sitting at your chair you should be able to slip two fingers under both of your thighs without a problem.
As far as the backrest of the chair is concerned, it should push the lower back forward just a little bit. If these requirements are not met, then a different type of chair is required.
The height of the computer screen plays an integral role in your level of comfort as well.
Sit down in your computer chair and close your eyes, allowing yourself to relax. Once you have relaxed sufficiently then slowly open your eyes. The spot where your eyes automatically look to upon opening is where the center of the computer screen should be placed.
If necessary raise the computer screen using books or some type of stand. With just a little effort and attention to detail ergonomics can rule the day and can improve your work area to make it somewhere your mind and body both enjoy being!
Samantha
Alternative Health for Today 
Leave a Reply