May 27 2008
Desk Health: Ergonomics Tips
Are you a telecommuter or an office worker or someone who just spends a LOT of time at the computer? Watch your ergonomics!
As I was pondering what to post on Healthy News today, I caught myself sitting limp wristed cross-legged at my desk. Not very condusive to an ergonomic working environment! RSI is something those working at computers need to be very aware of and as a writer that works double shifts at the computer every day, bad form can really hurt my wordcount the next day and make keystrokes agonizing.
Here are a few basic healthy desk tips for you:
Take frequent breaks. Every hour or so, it’s a good idea to do something other than typing for ten minutes.
- Invest in a comfortable and decent desk chair. It’s really worth a few hundred dollars to save your back…trust me!
- Have your desk and chair at an ideal height so you can reach straight ahead to type. You shouldn’t be reaching up or reaching down. Your belly button should also be lined up at G & H
- Wrist rotations can help sore wrists. Stop every once in a while and flex fingers and rotate your wrists clockwise and counter clockwise to lessen strain on your hands
- Make sure your monitor is a comfortable height and that you can look straight ahead
- Proper lighting can reduce eye strain.
These tips are just some basics for good form at your desk. When you spend more than a few hours a day at it, it’s very wise to practice ergonomic tips to increase productivity and reduce muscular aches and pains.
