How many hours a day do we sit?
We sit to eat, to drive, for meetings, to work at a desk, and to watch television. Most of our day is spent sitting and most of that time is probably in the same chair at work. If you’re spending quite a bit of time there, you want to be sure it is comfortable and set up just for you.
Here are some easy changes you can make to improve your posture and comfort at work to reduce your risk for neck, back, and tailbone pain:
Your computer screen height should be at eye level. Raise it on a stand or stack of books if it needs to be lifted up.
Place your feet (not your toes) firmly on the floor, not on a bar underneath your desk and not crossed. If the chair won’t lower or if the desk height is too high use a step stool under your feet to bring the floor up to you.
Sit all the way back in your chair, not on the edge of the seat. Bringing your hips into the back of the chair increases your support and keeps you more upright rather than slouched.
Bring your keyboard and mouse close to you so that you aren’t reaching and holding your arms up in the air or leaning forward.
Remember to take breaks away from your desk throughout the day. Walk and talk, go to the bathroom, or get water. This gives your eyes and body a rest.