The human body is exquisite, and you can train it to endure extreme conditions and break records in athletics. One can evolve the body to become how they want it to be, and several personalities have proved that sheer will and practice can make you reach milestones no one has reached. The human body is a marvelous creation, but taking care of it is not that easy. Many things, including inactivity of the body and poor lifestyle, have affected millions worldwide. Another problem people face is backache, and they have to buy ergonomic chairs to prevent these issues.
But what is ergonomics, and what is an ergonomic chair?
Ergonomic means products/gadgets designed for the efficiency and comfort of a person while using them. It is a discipline that’s concerned with the understanding of interactions between people and the machine.
These chairs are made to adapt to the person’s needs and are known to have a high productivity level because of the customized support that they provide.
Humans have evolved so rapidly that it sometimes becomes a curse rather than a boon. For example, humans are not evolved for sitting on a chair for hours; the ancestors were hunter-gatherers and are used to climbing trees, mountains, and swimming. No species has to sit for long hours, even for hunting. That’s why people buy these chairs, which are capable of preventing any muscle cramps and fatigue. Ergonomic means the technology or design that supports the human body, and one can interact with it with ease. Even a bike’s handle can be made more ergonomic for easy handling.
Humans’ change from quadrupedal to bipedal has changed the whole body’s skeletal structure and muscle mass, and now the long hours of sitting have been affecting those muscles again. Only through maintaining correct posture and regular stretching and relaxation one can prevent backaches and spinal injuries in the future.
What are the ways to sit on a chair with the correct posture and the adjustments one must make for the desk so that the body feels minimal stress and fatigue?
The following points are great examples of how to sit at your workstation to improve productivity and lessen aches:
An ergonomic chair for back support
Adjust the chair so that your lower-back is adequately supported. Get a chair that can hold your lower body properly and help adjust the height and tilt to your comfort. Ergonomic chairs are best for long-hours of office work. Nowadays, these chairs come with several adjustment options which help you work efficiently and fast.
Rest the feet on the floor
Your feet must reach the floor and rest flat on it; if not, get a footrest or change the chair. Crossing the legs may also contribute to posture-related conditions.
Adjust the screen to your eye level
When the screen is at your eye level, you don’t need to move your neck to switch the gaze between the screen and keyboard/book. Movement of the neck is also a reason for neck and shoulder pain. Remember that your head is not at all a light body part; the neck is already under the stress of its weight (5Kg approx).
Put the keyboard in front of you.
When typing, the keyboard must be in front of you. Leave a gap about four to six inches at the front of the desk to rest your wrist when not typing. Some people use a wrist rest to put the forearms at the same level as the keyboard.
Keep the mouse close.
Position the mouse at a distance that you don’t need to lean or bend your body to use it. It must be close enough to grab and use it within a second.
Take regular breaks
It is vital to take intermittent rests from work to relax and stretch your body. Working without any rest will cause fatigue and will lessen your productivity. Take regular breaks from the task and walk around for a while. A break every 30 or 45 minutes is good for the body and eyes.
If you consider these tips, you can avoid pain and improve your productivity. Whether you are working-from-home or are at the office, you can try these methods as the place is not a problem.
