Why are ergonomics important?

Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things that humans use so that humans and things interact most efficiently and safely. You must set up your workplace, office, and study area correctly as these directly control your performance and output. If efficiency is your goal, whether you are a worker or a student, then ergonomics must be a means for you to that end.

Work chairs come in different designs, sizes, and shapes, but does a chair that looks comfortable mean it is ergonomically sound for you? An ergonomic chair that supports good posture must still be set up appropriately depending on your height and must also work in tandem with all other parts of the equation—your desk, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and so forth.

Spending several hours in a day behind an inappropriate desk, with standard equipment, day-in, and day-out, opens the door to repetitive injury, stress, and eventually takes its toll on your mental abilities as a worker or student.

There are simple steps that you can take to improve your work or study area. While these include the type of equipment you choose to work with, they also include how the equipment is placed and how you consciously choose to sit in a posture that will eventually become second nature. Here are some tips that can go far and make the work and study place comfortable and healthy for you.

Body posture and ergonomics are intimately linked with chair, desk, and monitor height. If set correctly, body posture adjusts automatically.

Monitor Ergonomics

The top of the monitor screen should be at or below the eye level. It adjusts your eyes according to the visual area of the monitor. Your neck will be in an upright position. The distance of the eyes from the monitor should be at least 20 inches. After every 20 minutes, it is recommended to look away. Thus, if you cannot lower or heighten a monitor with something easy, such as a stack of books, an adjustable monitor or associated monitor stand can be very useful.

Below are some options for top-rated monitors and monitors stands:

Chair Ergonomics

A chair is one of the most utilized tools at work or study. An adjustable chair with adjustable armrests that support the lumbar, spine, and neck can go far, but it must also be adjusted ergonomically.

When seated, your thighs and arms should be parallel to the floor. Your shoulders must be relaxed with a minimum bend at the wrist while maintaining the appropriate monitor height,  Thus, the height of the chair is the most important aspect when choosing a chair, right there with monitor height.

A chair mat allows for easy adjustment when sitting or standing up and can prevent strain resulting from sudden movement on stressed back muscles.

Discover the most high-rated ergonomic chairs, gaming chairs  (which are built for ergonomics), and chair mats:

Chair Options: ergonomic chairs, gaming chairs, chair mats

Desk Ergonomics

The desk height must be at such a height where it allows your hands to rest comfortably parallel to the ground while not impeding the monitor’s recommended height. Adjustable desks that support sitting and standing can drastically improve back pain and other stresses on the body. Sit-stand desks also support the use of your leg muscles. Your feet should be parallel to the floor, and you can use a footrest if needed to compensate. If you tend to stand longer than sitting, a footpad will alleviate stress on your feet, knees, and back.

Below are some highly-rated sit-stand desks, students/gamer desks, foot-pads, and foot-rests to consider:

With these simple guidelines, you will feel fresh after a long day’s work owing to the proper posture of your spine, neck, thighs, arms, and feet.

Choose your office and study space equipment wisely!

 

 

 

References:

Christian, M. ( April 01.2016). Single and Dual Monitor Computer Setup Ergonomics Tips. Health, 8-9.

Divincenzo, K. (July 12, 2018). Desk ] Ergonomics 101.  work fit, 3-4.

Howe, R. (April 15, 2020). What are Ergonomic Chairs? Office Chairs, 4-7.

Pinola, M. (January 22, 2020). The Best Ergonomic Keyboard. Ergonomic Keyboard.

Steinhilber, B. (October 26,2017). 5 Adjustments you need to make to your desk right now. Better, 5-7.

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