Seven Tips to Help Keep it Comfy … and Safe
Working from home is often thought of as the dream scenario and has recently become the reality for so many. Often overlooked, making your workspace comfortable is crucial to your health and affects the quality of your work. A heedlessly thrown together workspace can lead to eye strain, as well as shoulder, hand, wrist, and back injuries.
Lucky for you Barb Carter, a physical therapist assistant and certified ergonomic assessment specialist at Black River Memorial Hospital, put together seven tips for an ergonomically correct work setup.
1. Make the Effort
Plopping down on the couch or sitting up in your comfy bed might seem like a comfortable place to work, but if you want a workspace that is going to last in the long run, you need a dedicated workspace away from interruptions that puts your body in the correct position.
2. Dedicated Light
A room with natural light is ideal, but if that’s not an option, make sure you have dedicated light such as an adjustable desk lamp.
3. Screen Height
You want your monitor to be at eye level so that you don’t have to look down at it causing stress on your neck. If your primary computer is a laptop, look into adding a second, accessory screen at eye level.
4. Flexible Chair
You have permission to splurge on this one. A good work chair is so important to your workspace so make sure it has adjustments for: floor to seat, seat depth, seat tilt, backrest and armrest.
5. Keyboard Upgrade
An ergonomic keyboard designed to reduce stress on your hands and wrists is a good idea, especially if your job requires heavy typing.
6. The Three S’s
Sit, stand, and stretch. For every 30 minutes of work, you should sit for 20, stand for eight, and stretch or move for two.
7. Listen to Your Body
If you have pain during and right after work, that’s a red flag that you need to adjust your home workspace. If it continues, see your care provider.
Follow Barb’s tips and your home office can be the enjoyable, convenient, and safe workspace you’ve always wanted.
For more tips on a healthy workspace, visit https://irenamacri.com/healthy-work-from-home-office-ideas/
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