Guest post from Becky Flansburg
Before you start snickering, let me ask you this: when you get into your car, don’t you make adjustments?
Don’t you move the seat forward or back; tilt the mirror so you can see better, and even tilt the steering wheel? And all for the sake of a more comfortable drive and being a more efficient driver? Your workspace is no different. If you end your workday with headaches, neck aches, sore legs, and sore wrists, you need to make some adjustments. Use these suggestions and guidelines to set up your workspace to ensure good ergonomic posture and to attain optimal personal comfort.
Ergonomics for Authors | Adjusting Your Workspace
Eye Strain and Discomfort: The problem could be the lighting in your office or it could be your computer monitor. Monitor glare can cause eye discomfort and even headaches. Invest in an anti-glare screen for your monitor if the anti-glare coating doesn\’t come standard on your desktop computer. Glare screens reduce glare up to 95% and help prevent eyestrain.
Head, Neck, and Shoulder Pain: Your computer monitor may be too low or too high. Make sure your computer monitor is centered in front of you with your eyes hitting the top 1/3 of your computer viewing area. Use risers or monitor stands to achieve this if you are using a desktop or laptop to get the viewing height you need.
Arms, elbows, and wrists: The way you hold your wrists while working at your keyboard can directly impact your comfort from wrists to shoulders. Place an ergonomic wristrest in front of both your keyboard and mouse and make sure your keyboard is high (or low) enough so your wrists are not bent in any way (your wrist should be a straight line). Wrist rest can be found on Amazon or your local office products store. If your wrists are aching, think about trying wireless Ergo Mouse that helps keep your entire arm in position for natural movement.
Back, legs & feet: If your back is aching you need to take a hard look at your office chair and make sure it has proper lumbar support. Grandma’s sewing room chair is just not acceptable these days so be sure and invest in a chair that will support your back and body. Ergonomic Office Chairs are manufactured to have exceptional lumbar adjustment and height adjustment; both are needed for a proper fit. If your chair is too low or too high, your legs are going to pay the price. Make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor (no dangling feet!). If your chair is too low and your knees are too high, it will put pressure on your low back and tailbone.
If a new chair is out of the question, check out the lumbar support cushions.
Final note: One of the best things you can do for yourself if you sit in front of a computer or behind a desk all day is GET UP AND MOVE AROUND. Stretch those legs and swing your arms at least once an hour!
Enjoy your new and more comfortable workspace!
