There are myriad ways in which a work environment can contribute to longterm health problems. Far too many people fail to set their offices and work spaces up in such a way that will protect them from back pain and other safety issues, and that’s a mistake. A new report out of New Zealand provides some interesting insights into the adjustments that can be made with one’s work lifestyle, and you could find that you feel great after just a couple weeks of putting these changes into practice.
Ergonomics are important when it comes to your workday. If you work in an office, then the majority of your eight hour days and 40 hour work weeks will be spent in a single chair. To not invest in space that protects your longterm wellbeing is simply not a good idea. It’s not just your back; something as seemingly benign as the angle that your wrists are posed as they meet the computer can have an impact on the health of those limbs.
Spend the money to get a great office chair, or inquire with a supervisor about such a purchase. You want your back to remain straight and supported by the chair rather than slouching and smashing your lower body down into the seat. Your arms should extend nearly parallel to the ground when typing, and your mouse should be in a position that doesn’t force you to reach awkwardly for it. Trackpads should be avoided due to the odd contortions of the wrist they require in order to be operated, and your feet should remain on the ground.
Of course, there will come a point of no return where even sitting in one spot with great posture for too long could take its toll on your body. Inactivity is, after all, still inactivity, even if you sit properly. You’ll want and need to get up and moving at various intervals throughout the day. Doing so minimizes the possibility of an injury created by repetition and frees your muscles up from the static state created by immobility. There are even some who invest in desks that require them to stand rather than sit throughout the day. They could make your feet tired, but if your back is straight while you stand, you could find that you feel better overall at the end of the day.
Even better than simply walking around for a couple minutes is to exercise for a short period of time during the workday. Take a walk or a quick jog around the office park if you can do so safely, or get in the habit of riding a bike to work. A well-placed nap in the middle of the day can also improve your overall health.
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