If you sit in front of a computer all day, your body usually is quick to complain. However, with a few simple ergonomic upgrades to your office space, it is easy to take care of your body so that you can get all your work done without creating the stress on your body that results in pain.
Elevate your computer
Take the strain off your neck by elevating your desktop or laptop. This simple act will help you stop subconsciously hunching over, which will decrease the stress and pain in your back and neck.
Align Yourself
Along with elevating your computer, it is important to make sure that your body is properly aligned with your space. As a general rule of thumb, your elbows should rest at a comfortable 90 degrees when typing, the monitor should be at eye level, and the computer should be 18-28 inches from your face. By moving your desk and taking the time to find one of the best chairs for the office for your back structure and type to comply with these guidelines, you can decrease the repetitive stress that can cause problems with your back, hands, and wrists.
Buy a Real Mouse and Keyboard
The hours of contact between your hands, mouse and keyboard can number in the thousands. Don’t content yourself with the mouse and keyboard that comes with your computer. Do some research and choose a mouse and keyboard that is designed for both comfort and functionality. Your hands and wrists will greatly benefit from the upgrade.
Take a Break
It is important to find moments throughout the day where you can stand, stretch, and move. Ideally, you should get up and move away from your computer once every hour. If you are someone who easily gets lost in a project, set up reminders through your computer software to take a stretch break.
Protect Your Eyes
The glare from your computer screen can cause a huge amount of strain on your eyes. Consider installing a darker desktop theme to decrease the strain and program your computer to increase the monitor’s refresh rate.
