A Comfortable Computer Work Station

Arranging your office so you can be efficient is important, but since you spend so much of your time there, you also want to be comfortable while you work.

 To promote well-being and prevent injury, you should try to position your body so your joints are naturally aligned.  Leaning forward, slouching or having to extend your arms to reach the keyboard can strain your muscles, tendons and skeletal system.  With time or repetition, this can lead to aches and pains or more serious conditions.  Neck stiffness, tight back and aching wrists are common complaints of people who work daily on a computer.  But these aches and pains can be avoided if you follow these tips:

• When sitting at your desk, your head should remain in line with your torso and parallel to the floor orslightly tilted forward.  Your monitor should be placed on your desk at a distance between 20 to 40 inches away from you so you can easily read text.
• Adjust your keyboard and chair height so your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows are close to your body and bent at an  angle between 90 and 120 degrees.
• Once you have your keyboard where you want it, you should place your mouse near the keyboard so yo can easily reach it.  If your wrist is bent when using your mouse or keyboard, you may need to use a wrist or plam rest for additional support.
• Your chair should provide full lumber support and have a padded seat that cushions your hips and thighs.
• When sitting, your knees should be approximately parallel to your hips and bent at a 90 – 100 degree angle with your feet flat on the floor or elevated on a sturdy footrest.