You’re sitting at the office toward the end of another long, busy day, and your body is not happy. Your neck and lower back ache, your eyes are tired and you feel another headache coming on. Sound familiar?shutterstock_529683013

We spend, on average, 13 hours per day in a seated position. More and more studies continue to emerge showing that extended periods of sitting directly impacts our health – causing chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, and even increasing our likelihood of being affected by hypertension-related diseases and even certain cancers. Discomfort and bad ergonomics at work also drains our energy and sap us of our productivity, so you’re not only dreading going to work, you’re also getting less done while you’re there.

Protect your neck, back and eyes by optimising your monitor displays

If you work on a computer, you likely stare intently at your screen for hours at a time. Craning your neck forward and backwards to see better can cause extremely painful chronic inflammation that can cause discomfort and chronic pain if left unchecked, so optimising your display is a must. Consider getting a second screen (especially if you’re working off a small laptop screen) to relieve some of that tension. LG’s work monitors were created for just this purpose. Their height means you won’t have to spend hours with your head in a downward position (placing strain on your neck), and their fantastic size means you have room for all of your tasks in a single display setup.

An Ergonomic chair is a must

Long hours seated can tempt us to slouch down in our chairs for a little relief, but a good ergonomic chair will do just the opposite. Ergonomic office chairs have a padded area that connects with your lower back (the lumbar region) when you sit, offering you the much-needed support you need and keeping you sitting straight upright. Adjustable height settings, head-rest and armrests will also allow you to optimise it for your body size and shape, helping you lessen the effects of bad posture even more.

shutterstock_530717224Get up and get moving!

The most ergonomic desk is one you’re not chained to. Experts recommend getting up for a short walk or a cup of coffee for at least 5 minutes for every hour spent seated. Take the time to do a few basic stretches and get some fresh air, and you’ll be amazed at how refreshed and alert you feel when you return to your desk. It’s also a great way to release built up tension in the spinal area caused by holding an awkward posture for extended periods of time, making the development of chronic pain much less likely.

We may not like to admit it, but for many of us, our desks are our homes-away-from home. Doesn’t it make sense to customise your workspace ergonomics and make those hours at the office easier on your body?

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