Creating an Ergonomic Workspace
Can your workspace setup contribute to poor posture, aches and pains, and eye strain?
Unfortunately, yes.
Between work from home (WFH) and the second rise of coworking spaces, where sometimes you sit in a different area each day, desk areas may not be optimized for our health.
Slumped into a couch or crunched over a keyboard may feel cozy in the moment, but may have long-term negative effects. Those postures may also be compressing your internal organs.
What can you do to create a more ergonomic space?
Invest in a computer riser and an adjustable office chair. According to The Mayo Clinic, the ideal height of a computer monitor is the top of the screen at about eye level. When sitting in a chair, both feet should be on the ground and you should be able to sit up straight without hunching over.
Having both of those tools at ideal heights may help improve posture, reduce neck and eye strain,
Try to reduce holding your phone – cell or landline – between your shoulder and ear. UCLA suggests using headphones or putting your call on speakerphone.
Cradling your phone may increase neck and shoulder pain and stiffness, discomfort, and cause headaches.
If you do open coworking, consider a detached mouse and keyboard for optimal posture. Your keyboard and mouse should be at elbow height, keeping your keyboard flat so your wrists are straight, and work to move your mouse from your elbow vs wrist.
Remember to take breaks during the day and change positions! If you have a standing desk, consider starting the day standing for an hour, and switching every two hours or so.