Court reporters, psychologists, web developers, coders, data entry technicians, copywriters…
That list is just a small sample of jobs that people do each day from an office chair. In fact, a study by global manufacturer Ergotron found that 86 percent of workers in the U.S. sit all day. Yet sitting for long periods of time can increase muscle fatigue, numbness and circulation issues- and may raise your risk of developing diabetes or having a heart attack.
So What Can You Do?
Don’t give up! Even if you must sit at a desk every day, there are actually quite a few ways to protect your body from the effects.
Choose the right office chair. One of the best things you can to protect your body when you must sit to perform your job is to invest in a good quality office chair. In addition to being adjustable, your chair should have casters so you can move it across the floor or carpet while seated. Padding can also make a big difference.
Stand up. Break up the day by getting up to move around periodically. Set a timer to ding every 30 minutes and walk around the room for a minute before sitting back down. You may even want to get your office mates involved to keep you accountable.
Reach for the stars. Stand up and stretch right at your desk. WebMD recommends lifting your arms over your head and moving your head from one shoulder to the other. If you enjoy yoga, try a few poses to release neck and back tension. And BONUS- you can relieve stress at the same time!
Find ways to move. With a little creativity, you can find many ways to move during the day. Instead of stepping onto the elevator, take the stairs. If you need to meet with a co-worker, suggest doing it while walking. In fact, the next time you find yourself about to send an email, stroll on down to the recipient’s office instead.
And, of course, don’t forget to set up your workstation properly. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration website advises that setting up your workstation the right way may prevent headaches and tendonitis. You should be able to keep your wrists straight and elbows by your side when using your mouse and keyboard. Make sure your screen is at eye-level to keep your neck straight. Your office chair should allow you to set your feet flat on the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle.
No matter what you do for a living, it is important to keep your body healthy. Fortunately, OfficeChairsUnlimited.com has an extensive selection of office chairs in a wide range of styles. Plus we offer free shipping on every order. Call us toll-free at 800-410-7494 or visit our website today to find the perfect office chair for your needs.
President at Office Chairs Unlimited – I have been in the furniture industry for over 20 years, and I’m an expert (just ask me) on all things furniture. I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two.
