Many people spend hours working at computers on the job or at home, followed by surfing the Web for recreation. If you sit for long periods, your body can quickly become cramped and sore, giving rise to pain in your back, neck, shoulders, arms and wrists. Mental tension and anxiety can add to the discomfort.
But research shows that good work habits, physical fitness and proper posture can significantly reduce office fatigue and muscle tension. To improve comfort at your desk, check the habits you need to work on:
When seated, I avoid hunching over my work to reduce neck and upper body strain.
I stay aware of body tension and routinely correct my posture.
I periodically stretch and relax my muscles.
I stand up to stretch my back and legs about every 30 minutes.
I practice slow deep breathing several times an hour to release body tension and stress.
When talking on the phone, my head is upright and my shoulders are relaxed and level.
On breaks, I take a brisk walk to relax my muscles and improve circulation.
Outside of work, I get regular aerobic exercise.
I get at least 7-8 hours of sleep and eat a balanced diet every day.