Expert Tips on Improving Your Posture While Working
How to Improve Your Pandemic Posture
It s time to rethink your office layout
Illustration by Anuj Shrestha Pandemic posture habits could be affecting you without your even noticing. Taking long conference calls at the kitchen table or using your recliner as a workstation can lead to pain, stiffness and, eventually, injury. As many of us begin to head back to the office, it’s a great time to . Move your monitor
The top edge of your screen should be directly in line with your eye level, says Susan Kotowski, associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. If it’s too low, you’ll hunch over, creating neck pain. If you use dual monitors, put the most-used monitor directly in front of you. Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. Upgrade your lighting
need more light than younger ones. Kotowski recommends task lighting — an individual light, such as a reading or desk lamp, that you can aim at a specific spot. Get up stand up
You’ve probably heard how bad sitting is for your health. So, is a stand-up desk better? Yes and no. In one study, half the participants developed lower-back pain after standing at an ergonomic desk for two straight hours. A better strategy is to change positions every 30 minutes or so, alternating between standing and sitting. Adjust your chair
Your office chair likely has adjustable height, armrests and back support. To find your ideal settings, do this: Sit with your back fully against the back of the chair. Adjust the seat height so that your feet are flat on the ground. Your knees, feet and ankles should come to a 90-degree angle. Move the armrests so that your elbows form a 90-degree angle at your desk. If you’re going to be telecommuting for a while more, consider investing in a work chair that allows for a similar position. Set the right desk height
With your chair at your work surface, you should be able to comfortably maintain the 90-degree angles mentioned above. If your desk is too high, add an ergonomic step stool under your desk to rest your feet on. If it’s too low, use furniture risers to raise it. Clamp your keyboard
Invest in a keyboard tray, which clamps onto the desk edge and holds your keyboard at a more ergonomically friendly level. Typing at desk height can cause undue . Jessica Migala has written for Prevention, Marie Claire and more than 30 other magazines. More on Healthy Living
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