This is, for reasons that will become obvious, a short blog post. More like a plea, really. Or a nag.
You’re at a computer right now. Please, if you can, stand up and stretch. Yes, right now. Then please check your working area. Is your monitor at the right height? Does your chair support your back? Are your mouse and keyboard comfortable and do they allow a natural hand and arm position?
(Here is a guide to proper workstation setup. There are others.)
If your working area isn’t promoting good posture and healthy work practices, please change it so that it is. And then please set some sort of timer for yourself, to remind yourself to take breaks from your computer at regular, sensible intervals.
I didn’t do any of these simple things. For nine years, thirteen books, and gazillions of emails and blog posts and social media interactions, I ignored my posture, my crappy keyboard, my looks-pretty-but-makes-you-twist-your-forearm mouse. I sat at my computer for hours at a time without a single break. And I would not wish on anyone the pain, weakness, and frustration of repetitive stress injury. The fear that your career might suffer. The inability to do simple things with your child.
Especially because it’s preventable.
Nag over. Have a great Thursday. And don’t forget to wash behind your ears.
No related posts.
My chiropractor suggested sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair. I might have tried it, but I’d just bought a very nice ergonomic chair (and I feared more damage from falling off a spherical seat than any other injury).
I do get up and wander regularly (and have spent much time explaining to newly retired hubby that I’m STILL WORKING)
My also doesn’t believe I’m working unless I’m sitting at the computer! Which is a problem lately as I’ve had to do a lot of work by hand. I hope you train yours soon.
I can see how an exercise ball would feel good.
Wise words indeed Julie.
So what am I doing? Sitting in an armchair, feet up on a poofe, laptop on my knees (albeit resting on one of those laptop board thingies) typing away. I do have a cushion supporting my back. Does that help?
Probably not….Take care. Caroline x
I’m really no expert, Caroline—just someone who’s done herself an injury. I think it’s always worth thinking about whether you’re working safely…repetitive injuries take longer than say falling out of a tree, but they can be just as crippling. You take care, too. J x
Caroline, you described my current position to a “T”–with the exception of the cushion and the laptop thingie. I’m fortunate enough, though, to have two high-energy dogs to encourage me to get up at least once an hour to play ball or go for a walk. Keeps my circulation moving, even if my posture leaves something to be desired.
My workspace is so totally not ergonomic – working on my laptop at the dining table, sitting in a dining chair – but I do get up frequently because otherwise I get stuck. I’ve ruptured two discs in my back pretty much from sitting in one position too long then moving suddenly. I lost about six months mobility TWICE from these injuries. While I’m recovered presently and am lucky to be pretty much back to normal, I do get stiff whenever I don’t move around enough.
Feel better soon!