Sitting at a desk is becoming a common part of most of our daily lives, especially when using a computer, but this can cause other health issues. It is important that we are comfortable and sitting in the best position, and here’s some simple tips to help:
– You should be as relaxed and comfortable as possible while sitting at your desk
– when looking at the computer monitor you should ideally be sitting at arm’s length and at eye level to the screen.
– With regard to the Keyboard and mouse; your arms should be resting and able to reach the keyboard easily – padded keyboards can be used to make you feel comfy and make it easy to use.
– your chair gives you the support for your lower back.
To ensure you get the most of your chair here’s some tips:
Your feet should be flat on the floor with your hips at the back of the chair and with your legs slightly lower than your hips. If your feet aren’t completely flat on the floor flat, a foot rest can be used or…. If your chair is adjustable move it up or down.
Your elbows/arms should rest easily level onto the desk directly in front of you, this is useful to help prevent repetitive strain injuries on your wrists.
Does your chair have arm rests? If so do they hit the desk or go underneath? It is best if the arms of your chair go under the desk so your back and hips can stay at the back of the chair and you can get the most support as possible for your lower back. If you feel you need more support for your back a lumbar support can be helpful.
If your chair is adjustable, you can adjust it to give you the best support and to make you as comfortable as possible while at your desk.
Do you use a phone at work? If yes this can cause extra strain on your neck if you are using a phone and typing
at the same time. A headset can be helpful to help ease strains from your neck and it allows your hands to be free if you need to type or make any notes whilst on the phone.
It is important to take regular breaks so your back is not in the same position for too long, and a small walk can help to keep the lower back moving, and for it not to get used to the same position which can help make It easier to move around and go home at the end of a busy day.
