Most of us spend time at a computer each day, whether it is for 1 hour or 8 hours. At some point we have all been sitting at our computer and felt some discomfort, pain and tightness. This is because most people sit at a workstation that is bound to give them aches and pains. Here are a few things you should look for when setting up your workstation.
1. The top of the monitor should be at or below eye level and 20 to 26 inches away from your face.
2. Your head and neck should be in-line with your torso.
3. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
4. Your elbows should be close to your body and supported with arm rests.
5. Your wrists and hands should be in-line with your forearms.
6. Position the keyboard slightly below the elbow.
7. The mouse should be at the same level and next to the keyboard.
8. Your feet should be flat on the floor.
Once you have your workstation properly set up, it is important to remember to make sure you are taking frequent breaks while at the computer. A good rule of thumb is to get up for a few minutes at least one time every hour. People often express that they do not have time to get up and stretch every hour. However, getting up gets your blood moving and will give you more energy throughout the day, making you more efficient when you are on the computer.
Remember to make sure that your workstation is set up properly and take a few minutes every hour to get that blood moving.
