Ergonomics

10 useful tips

Either at work or at home, we are spending more time in front of computers, and often develop habits that can cause stress, strain, and injury.

We've created 10 tips to help you become  healthier, safer, and more productive at work.

  1. 1Listen to your body. Pay attention to the way you work, and how your body moves. People will have different ways of adjusting their body and behavior to avoid mouse injuries.
  2. 2Change positions. Changing the position of your desk in the morning and again when you break for lunch greatly benefits the body. Often, we forget to change positions because we’re in the middle of something, so it’s a good idea to create fixed daily routines.
  3. 3Get it straight. Make sure to vary your seating position. Try to sit high up on the chair, so you put more weight on the legs than on the lumbar region. This helps keep your back straight and posture heightened.
  4. 4Take shortcuts. Use the shortcut keys on your keyboard to avoid double clicking and constantly reaching for your mouse. These awkward movements cause you to strain arm, shoulder and neck muscles.
  5. 5Make room. Make sure you have enough room on and under the desk so you can assume different sitting positions. A messy desk is also a source of stress and irritation, which can exacerbate mouse injuries.
  6. 6Get physical. Move away from your desk when possible. When you’re active, new blood is pumped inside the body, giving you more energy. Quick tip: Walk over and talk to colleagues instead of sending emails.
  7. 7Take a break. Take a five-minute break every hour. This helps the body relax and forces you to change your working position. You need a cup of coffee anyway.
  8. 8Get comfortable. Make sure you rest your arms in front of you and your fingers on the keyboard and mouse. Joint strain is often linked to tension in the arms and hands.
  9. 9Get in position. Your nose and feet should point in the same direction when you sit at your desk. Twisting your body can lead to back and general body pain and discomfort.
  10. 10Designed for you. There are many alternatives to the traditional mouse that may help you reduce strain and prevent injury. Choose the best one for your body.