Millions of employed individuals work at desk jobs that require them to sit almost the entire day while using their computers. While this kind of job seems really easy and not physically demanding, there are several ways it can also jeopardize the health of workers.
If you want to stay healthy with your desk job, here are the things you should do:
1. Pay Attention to Proper Sight Lines
It is important that you observe the proper sight lines when you work with a computer. This means that you should keep your eyes at screen level to make sure that you don’t have to contort your neck while you are working. Make adjustments to the height and position of your monitor as well as your office chair so that your head and neck can be in a comfortable position.
2. Place Importance on Your Hand and Wrist Placement
Making sure that you ergonomically position your hands and wrists plays a very important role in preventing injuries on your joints and ligaments. Look for a cushioned wrist mouse pad that will keep your mouse hand comfortable. There are pads also which are ergonomically designed for keyboards you can use. You may also consider investing in an ergonomic keyboard so that the placement of your hand will be more natural.
3. Proper Posture Is of Utmost Importance
There is no doubt that keeping proper posture is the most effective method for staying healthy with a desk job. As we all know, good posture is vital to keeping one’s health in general. To achieve proper posture, make sure your back is straight, and your feet are flat on the ground. And for those who are frequently bothered by back pain, an ergonomically fit chair may be necessary. These chairs are designed primarily to enable good posture, as well as to help restore that spine and the back to a more natural position.
4. Look Away from Your Computer Screen from Time to Time
Looking away is a very simple thing to do, but not everyone is aware of the benefits of having this habit while working on a computer. Looking away from your screen will have great benefits to your eyesight. Since constantly staring at your computer for long periods of time can cause eye strains, you definitely need to give your eyes a break.
5. Get Out of Your Chair and Walk Around
According to research, workers doing a desk job should make it a habit to leave their desks at intervals to do some walking or stretching. You have to understand that even a 5 minute stretch or walk every hour can significantly benefit your body by stretching your muscles and reorienting your skeletal system.
6. Do Exercises On a Regular Basis
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to keeping your body strong and healthy. Doing exercise 3 to 4 times a week will help you stay energized and will help you last the day with ease.
When it comes to attaining job satisfaction, any career or personal coach would say that paying attention to your health while at work is a vital factor in finding happiness and fulfillment at work.
Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Centre, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.