Health & Medical Fitness & bodybuilding

Find Relief from Stress at Work with Ergonomic Office Products

Although people spend countless hours at the same desk and keyboard each day, they often fail to see how it will affect them physically. As aches and pains develop, they will often blame age or stress. However, they don't realize that these uncomfortable feelings are not necessary. Rather than dealing with the aches and pains, they could find relief by making some ergonomic changes in their office. Ergonomic office equipment or just making simple changes in their daily work habits can give them the relief they need to be a more productive worker.

The term "ergonomics" has grown very popular in recent years. The dictionary gives this description of ergonomics: "The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort." In other words, when we speak of ergonomic office equipment, we are speaking of equipment that will provide you with less fatigue and discomfort as you work.

These are products that will make your life easier by giving your body the support it needs to get through the day and relieving stress on various parts of your body. We become miserable when we use the same muscles everyday at work. People often make the mistake of trying to change their position at the desks and keyboards, only making the physical problems worse.

It's amazing how much attitude and productivity can improve when we understand ergnomics. Using proper body movements, correcting posture, making simple arrangements of the workstation and taking regular breaks can all help one feel better at the end of the day. Although it does take some effort to put these things into practice, once the proper office equipment is in place and one begins to become aware of how he or she feels throughout the day, correct ergonomic habits will be formed.

When doing office work, the back and neck are two of the most vulnerable spots on the body. Because this type of work often includes typing, filing, and sitting for lengthy periods of time, these areas are often overused and overworked. Resting gently on the back of an ergonomic chair, rather than slouching or straining, will help the back to stay relaxed.

In order to avoid holding your neck either up or down, the computer screen needs to be parallel with the head. Slowly turning the head from side to side every fifteen to twenty minutes will help the neck muscles to relax and not become too tense. About every half hour, regular computer users should take a short break by walking and stretching.

Your health is very much affected by the office equipment you use and how it is arranged. Your desk should be large enough for any and all necessary items, including your computer, monitor and mouse. There should be plenty of room for your legs to be able to stretch out and relax. The chair should be comfortable with an ergonomic design. This should include a padded seat, adjustable height, back support and wheels that are secure and stable. It is important to use a foot rest if your chair is not adjustable and your feet do not touch the floor. This will give your feet and legs the support they need.

It's best not to cradle the phone on your neck while typing. Although it can't always be avoided, this position causes a great deal of strain on the neck and shoulders. A phone headset is the best way to handle this, but if that is not possible, a phone cushion, which rests on your shoulder, is the next best option.

It's a fact of life that we cannot avoid some areas of stress in our lives. Deadlines, relationship problems,noise, and lack of communication are all areas of stress that sometimes can't be avoided. However, physical stress can often be avoided by just recognizing the areas of fatigue and slowly changing the way we do things.

Avoiding stress can be accomplished by a few simple techniques. You will feel better both emotionally and physically by getting plenty of rest and relaxation. After a good night's rest, the problems in our lives don't seem as stressful. Taking breaks throughout the day helps refresh both the mind and body.

A daily exercise program of stretching and walking will help keep you relaxed and give your body fresh energy. It also helps to realize that if you are overtired, it's time to take a break. It might be time to go home so you can get rested for the next day, or perhaps it's time for a longer vacation.

Last, but not least, when you go home, leave your work there. Although many people are working at home these days, there needs to be a clear line between work and home. Leave the office, close the door, and do something to enjoy life. In the long run, this will ultimately allow you to be the productive, efficient worker you desire to be.

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