Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their work environment. Good posture allows joints to be at ease, muscles will have less tension, you can breath easier, and your nervous system is able to communicate with your body properly. But it's difficult to have good posture if your work station is not properly set up. If you are primarily working a desk job/ computer job, take a few minutes to read through the checklist below.
- Feet flat on the floor (if needed you can use a foot rest)
- Thighs parallel to the floor
- Chair should support the natural curve of the lumbar spine (low back). You can use a lumbar pillow or roll a towel and place it in the curve of your low back for support.
- Wrists are AT or below the level of the elbow
- Shoulders relaxed (there should be NO tension in the upper shoulders)
- You and your monitor should sit in line with the G and H keyboard keys (straight on versus turned)
- To determine the distance between you and your monitor, extend your arm. The middle fingers should graze the screen.
- To determine the height of the monitor, bring your head to a neutral position, close your eyes and open them. You should be looking at the web address bar. If this is not the case, raise or lower the screen accordingly.
