|
The importance of an ergonomically-designed desk area is often underestimated. It's not just about having a comfortable chair, a poorly-set up work area will hinder your performance and stifle your creativity.
Use these seven tips to get more ergonomic in your office.
- When looking to buy a new office desk, if you are, then choose one with an adjustable keyboard as well as a mouse tray. You can set it up so that you reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. This can sometimes be painful, as well as irreversible. Make sure that your keyboard drawer will hold your mouse and keyboard, because you don't want them falling off onto the floor. Your mouse should be in close proximity to your keyboard, as this will help with arm extension and possible strain.
- If you can design a multitasking ergonomic office, then it will be adaptable according to your convenience. Select adjustable furniture and this will allow you to shift your position when you want to. Various muscle groups will be able to rest, and work, alternatively. All of our body parts need to rest and rejuvenate, just like our whole bodies!
- If you look on the underside and back of your keyboard, you'll see two little legs which will enable you to tilt the keyboard towards you. Sometimes it's better not to use these as it can create improper wrist positioning. If you are an old hunt and pecker type of typist, then it won't make much difference. If you do type "normally" then have the keyboard slightly leaning backwards. Adjust to what you feel is comfortable.
- When you're typing, your wrists should be placed in as straight a position as possible. Elbows shouldn't be bent more than 90°. If they are, this can develop into sore arms, shoulders and wrists.
- If you are a bigger person, then you might want an ergonomic keyboard which is split down the middle. Each half of this keyboard is angled and so you'll be able to spread your reach wider, and so work in a better position.
- Use those gel arm and wrist rests only when you aren't typing. They are for resting your palms and not your wrists.
- Reduce glare from your monitor, and you'll reduce eyestrain. You can purchase a anti-glare screen for the front of your monitor at most office supply stores. If you wear prescription eyeglasses, then purchase a pair with glare-resistant lenses.
Get Out Of That Routine
Do try and change the order of your daily routine and tasks occasionally, so that you aren't set in your ways and certain routines. Our bodies get used to different ways of doing things, or the same way of doing things, so if you can stimulate new muscle groups the old ones will be able to rest occasionally.
Consider Getting a Professional Opinion
If you are considering changing your office and work area to a much more ergonomically and workable one, then perhaps hiring a physical therapist or occupational therapist to pay you a visit, will be really worth it. They will be able to recommend the right equipment for you. It can be costly, but the end results may be invaluable enabling you to work more efficiently and comfortably. The time you spend at your desk will be reduced and your creative juices will be able to flow and revive much more.
Lloyd Burrell, having had a long career first in the City of London as an auditor and then running his own businesses, knows a lot about office desks. Modular office desks are a great way to address the problem of achieving an ergonomic office set up, which is so important when you spend long hours in your office.Whether you are interested in u shaped office desks or corner office desks or a ready to assemble office desk, Lloyd can help find the right product for you. Lloyd Burrell lives on the Atlantic Coast of France with his wife and two children. He is British and he enjoys French cuisine and culture.
Comment on this article or submit your tip to CreativeHomemaking.com.
Click here for a printer friendly version of this page.
Follow me on Pinterest.
Receive new article links via Twitter!
Follow Creative Homemaking on Facebook!
Recommend this article to a friend!
Search our article archives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
|
