1.) Master The Mechanism
You can't take a "set it and forget it" approach to ergonomics in the workplace. While one chair operating position may be great for a variety of tasks, it's not the be-all-end-all solution to sitting correctly. Take the time to read the owner's manual that came with your chair and watch a couple of demo videos online to help you master your tasking chair mechanism. The mechanism located under your seat is essentially the brain. It controls about 80% of the functions associated with your chair. With an improved knowledge of how your chair mechanism works, you'll be more confident when adjusting. That confidence and knowledge will result in an improved sitting experience you can rely on day-in and day-out.
2.) Keep Feet Flat and Forward
It's time to stop propping up your feet on the base of your office chair. It's not a foot rest. We call this poor sitting position "The Percher". Don't extend your legs and cross your feet out in front of you. This operating position is known as "The Lounger". These bad sitting habit results in poor blood flow that results in muscle stiffness and even cramping over long periods of time. Make it a point to work with you feet facing flat on the ground and facing forward. This stance encourages good posture, stability, and support.
3.) Let The Chair Get Your Back
Every time you lean away from your office chair to reach for items around your workstation, you're missing out on key support. Do you hunch over your desk top and keyboard tray when typing? If so, you're spine isn't properly supported. You've gotta let the chair get your back! It's incredibly important to maintain contact with the chair's seating surfaces at all times when working. In the long run, your office chair wants to help you be at your best. If you lean away, it can't do it's most important job! Take your sitting experience to the next level by remembering to keep your back in contact with the chair back as much as possible.
4.) Don't Look Down
Don't worry, this tip has nothing to do with heights! That being said, looking down when you're typing can cause big time pain and strain. To improve your sit and avoid this common problem, raise your computer screens up to eye level. If you don't want to spend the money on an ergonomic computer screen mount for your office, a stack of books will get the job done in the mean time. If you're looking down to type because you need to see the keys, consider taking an online typing course. Take the initiative to improve your workplace capabilities. You'll be glad you'd did. Learning to type without looking at the keys will improve your overall efficiency while simultaneously reducing neck strain associated with looking down all day!
5.) Take A Break
Sitting for extended periods of time can actually shorten your life space. Believe it or not, to improve your sit, you actually need to stand up! Taking a short break once every hour will allow you to properly stretch out your muscles. When you return to your computer chair you'll be ready to tackle your tasks in comfort. The longer we sit, the more likely fatigue, strain, stress, and soreness become factors. Fight back by taking short breaks as often as possible. Too busy to take breaks throughout the day? Consider switching to a sit to stand ergonomic desk or keyboard tray. These handy ergonomic tools promote continuous movement in the workplace and improve blood flow.
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