Feeling the aches from poor workspace setup? Discover how desk ergonomics can boost productivity, reduce muscle fatigue, and alleviate work-related pain. Learn practical tips to optimize your posture and create a pain-free work environment.
     
Getting the job done is the focus. Many of us don’t spend much time thinking about how we’re setting up our workspace to do our tasks, yet desk ergonomics can increase productivity, lessen muscle fatigue, and cut work-related aches.

In a typical office setting someone has thought about ergonomics. Most people have a chair at a desk where they can sit with a posture that reduces the risk of pain. According to Ergonomic experts, good workspace positioning will see your:

     
• feet flat on the floor, thighs parallel, and knees bent to 90 degrees;
     
• elbows comfortably below shoulders, bent at 90 degrees, and close to the body (without being jammed against you);
     
• shoulders relaxed and back;
     
• back against the chair with your body aligned so that your shoulders are over your hips, and your head, over your shoulders;
     
• Eyes looking at the top of the screen (rather than up or down at it).
     

Anything else  risks putting your body out of alignment, which can stress your body and      lead to painful issues. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle  strain, and lower-back injury.

Rethinking      your work-from-home posture

Sorry, working      from bed or lounging in a cushioned chair isn’t going to put you in the      right ergonomic position.

It’s best to      replicate a traditional workstation. Start with how you sit: Get a desk      and office chair, or at least sit at a table. If your feet don’t touch      the ground, get a footrest (or even use a stack of books). This helps get      your thighs parallel and knees at 90 degrees.

Now, place your computer      where you can keep your elbows bent and shoulders back. You want to hover      your palms slightly over the keyboard as you type. If you have armrests,      this can help you avoid slouching.

Your lower back is      the next consideration. Having your back against the backrest can help      your alignment. Office chairs are often designed with lower back support.      If you don’t have that, you could get a lumbar pillow to help. Otherwise,      you might roll up a towel to put against the small of your back while      sitting.

Also, consider      your screen placement. You might need to raise or lower your monitor so      that your eyes are in line with the top of the screen. Laptop users could      need to get a separate screen or keyboard so that they can achieve the      right angles at once.

Next steps

If you’re a  two-screen user, you can put the one you use most directly in front of you. If you work on both regularly, place them side by side, and angle them towards your seat. Tablet users may want to get a stand that puts it at eye level. Otherwise, switch up which hand you’re using to hold it. Plus, if you’re on the phone a lot, use hands-free or a headset to avoid a stiff neck.

You can also take advantage of a standing desk. In that case, you’ll want to make sure your feet are hip distance apart. Then, stack your hips above your feet,      followed by your shoulders, neck, and head. Keep even weight distribution in mind too.

Every 20 minutes or so plan to check in on your posture. Also, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away from you to give your eyes a rest. Moving and stretching can give both your body and mind a break.

Reconfiguring your desk ergonomics can help reduce muscle strain and improve productivity. It’s up to you to sit correctly to take away workplace pain, but Borked PC can help you with the pain of problematic IT issues. Contact us today at 610-599-6195.