This morning’s HealthBit is dedicated to ergonomics, particularly as it pertains to your desk setup. According to Google, the definition of ergonomics is as follows:
er·go·nom·ics
/ˌərɡəˈnämiks/
noun
the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment.
There are obviously a number of factors that contribute to a person’s efficiency in his/her work environment, but I may argue that desk setup is close to the top. The reason I say this is not only because poor posture leads to pain which leads to distraction, but because brain function is actually compromised when proper posture is ignored.
The most common poor desk posture includes rounded shoulders and forward head carriage (think slumping forward, rolling the shoulder in and jutting the chin forward). While people in a depressive state often assume this posture, the opposite is also true. This bodily presentation actually inhibits the direct communication to the brain and can change the way you think. Sitting upright, in proper posture, gives your brain better feedback and actually improves mood and productivity. If you’re interested, you can find more information on this subject here: https://draxe.com/forward-head-posture/
So what does an ergonomic desk setup look like? To put it simply, it keeps you in alignment so your brain and spinal cord can be at their best. Your neck should be upright with ears over shoulders. You should be sitting back in your chair so that your lumbar spine is supported by the backrest. Your screen should be at eye level-or just below- and your feet should sit flat on the floor (or on a footrest if need be). Please review the diagram by following the link below and compare it to your current desk environment. I have met with most of you in the past, but since things can change, it’s always good to recheck and realign. If you have any questions, please let me know.
https://www.custom-build-computers.com/Computer-Ergonomics.html