8 Tips To Help You Maintain The Right Computer Posture
Computers have become a near indispensable part of human life nowadays, but have you thought about the harm caused to you while you use them?
Like the majority of the people, if you too spend most of your waking hours sitting before a computer and working, then there are chances you might have a problem with your posture – and this is something that can turn dangerous if ignored.
But worry not! This post tells you how you can maintain the right posture while sitting before a computer for long hours. Keep reading to know more!
Tips For Maintaining The Right Computer Posture
You will agree when we say that acute pain is often caused by improper sitting and bad postures (1). So, it is important to learn more about the right postures and to maintain them at all times – and especially when sitting before a computer for long hours.
The comfortable posture varies from one person to another, and aspects like height, weight, eyesight and health conditions of the individuals play a vital role.
Below listed are a few handy tips to maintain a proper sitting posture at computer and evade the risk of pain and injuries:
1. Sitting Upright
When you are using computers, sit with the spine erect and straight. Slouching in front is what leads to back pain and pain in other body parts too. If necessary, adjust the height of the chair so that both the feet can be flat on the floor.
2. Position Of Chair
The back of the chair should be set at a 100 degree reclined angle (2). Ensure the chair supports your lower and upper back well. It would be better if the chair has an armrest.
3. Cushioning Support
If you find sitting in the chair does not feel comfortable, and your spine is getting stressed even after several height and angle adjustments, you may use cushions. You can find ergonomically designed paddings and cushions for use with computer chairs.
4. Keyboard Position
It is important to ensure your hands do not get tired while typing on the PC keyboard easily. If your work involves lots of typing, use ergonomically designed keyboards that come with a palm rest. Adjusting the keyboard tilt can also be helpful in this regard.
5. Small Breaks
Even if you use an ergonomically designed chair for PC usage and ensure the monitor and keyboard are in the right place, stress on the body muscles and joints cannot be avoided. To ensure your shoulders, back and hands do not get stressed overtly, take a break every 30 minutes or so while using computers. You may walk for 5 minutes or stand for some time to relax your stiffened back muscles and spine.
6. Position Of The Monitor
The display of the PC screen should be at the eye level (3). If the screen is positioned in a way such that you require to look up or down, it can lead to eye strain and stress on shoulders. Ideally, the height of the PC table or desk should be at the elbow level so that you can look straight into the monitor, and the arms remain almost perpendicular to the ground.
7. Laptop Usage
Not all PC users have or use desktops. If you use a laptop for work regularly, you might have more stress. When using laptops, you tend to be in an improper posture. Either your neck or the wrists remain at a wrong posture, leading to pain and fatigue. To minimize this issue, use an external keyboard with your laptop.
8. Posture Monitoring Gadgets
Despite your best attempts, you may end up being in a wrong posture while using computers for long hours. To get rid of the issue, invest in posture correcting guide devices (4). Nowadays, you can find such small wearable devices that alert you whenever you get into the wrong position. Some of these devices are also Smartphone compatible.
While you cannot stop using a computer or laptop, by making sure your posture is right, you can ensure you do not develop aches and pains that leave you in agony. Hence a proper computer posture is always mandatory. Try these simple tips to make your time with your computer a more pleasant one!
