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Work well at the ergonomic office
Whether escaping a stressful commute a couple of days a week by working at home or running a home-based business, safe home office ergonomics β the correct use of your body as you work β is as important as that in any corporate office. A poor set up can result in pain, injury and lost productivity.
Good ergonomics ensure a comfortable body position and posture. You have complete control over your home office environment, the furniture and equipment you choose and the set up, to avoid repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
There are four priorities when working at a home computer.
- The office chair should be comfortable for long periods, provide lumbar support to protect the lower back and should allow feet to be placed solidly on the floor or a foot rest.
- The keyboard needs to be lower than the desktop to reduce strain on your wrists.
- Keep the monitor at eye level or lower.
- Choose a design and location of a computer mouse so you can keep your wrist straight and untwisted.
Give your eyes a break by focusing on a distant point occasionally, and remember to blink to prevent dryness and fatigue. Take short breaks at least once an hour to get up and stretch. Vary your routine so that you are not sitting for long periods. Eat nourishing meals. Remember to breathe and, of course, take time to smell the roses.