Ergonomics amounts to much more than posture and how you sit, stand, and lift. In the workplace and at home, when it comes to ergonomic solutions, there are 5 powerful ways to your better health today.
Stand Up for Better Health
Many of us sit all day. We sit while we drive or commute. We sit while we work. We sit while we eat. We sit while we watch television or flip through our phones. In fact, the average American that spends eight hours sleeping, will spend at least nine of the remaining 16 hours in a day sitting. That’s a whole lot of sitting!
If you can find extra opportunities to stand and move around during your day, your body will benefit from any decrease in sedentary living. A standing desk or an adjustable sit/stand desk in your office may be just the thing to keep you more active.
Keep Your Head Up
Between staring at computer screens and phone screens, our necks are experiencing the stress from an unnatural position. Our bodies weren’t built for all of this looking down, which can cause pain in the neck and shoulders, and make us tired and tense as well. Many doctors suggest the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look up at an object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives the eyes, neck, and shoulders a chance to relax.
You can also prop your computer monitor at least 12 inches from your face and raise it up a little higher, so that you are looking more forward than down in order to ease eye strain. Most office supply stores sell desk stands for computer monitors.
Take Active Breaks
Instead of taking a sitting lunch break, plan for an active walk. A simple walk will keep your body active, ease muscle tension, reduce muscle strain, and re-energize your body and mind for the rest of the workday. Better yet, meet up with friends and make it a group activity. That way, you are all more likely to stick with this new routine.
If You Must Sit, Don’t Sit Still
Today’s workers have a variety of options available to them. Talk you employer about using one of these more mobile options for sitting and/or pick one up for use at home.
- Sit/stand stool
- Ergonomic seating
- Stretches
- Desk exercises
- Reminder app to get up and move around
- Move around the office
Another item of note for ergonomic seating: if the front of your seat hits the back of your knees or your feet dangle off the floor, use a footrest underneath so that your legs and back are properly positioned.
Keep Everything within Reach
Both at work and at home, many injuries can happen when we overreach for an object. Whether it’s a telephone, stapler, television remote control or other object, it’s always better to move closer to the object you are reaching for rather than cause an unnecessary injury.
It’s easy to incorporate these five simple and powerful workstation solutions in your everyday work and home life. What will you start today?
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