Most of us spend several hours sitting at a desk. This leads to some nagging aches and pains in the neck, shoulders, back, or hips. While discomfort is common at the workplace, there are several practical steps one can take to avoid these problems and remain pain-free and productive for a workday. Here are some tips on preventing workplace-related aches and pains:
Invest in an Ergonomic Chair
An investment in an ergonomic chair is among the most significant things you can do to improve your workspace environment. These types of chairs are designed to provide optimal support, custom-fitted to your particular body contours, thus aiding in maintaining appropriate posture throughout your workday. And by facilitating good posture, they help reduce the physical stress that can result in discomfort or possibly even chronic pain over time. Adding high-quality foam inserts to your chair cushion, or even highly specialized mattress foam, can definitely bring relief and provide another level of comfort due to the substantial difference in support it provides and the relief around your body’s pressure points.
Take Frequent Breaks and Stretch
Sitting for long periods of time can unavoidably tighten the muscles, particularly in areas such as the lower back and hips. It is essential to develop the habit of providing regular breaks for oneself in order to offset this problem. This can be done by standing up, stretching the body, and moving around to promote good circulation, which will alleviate tension. It really helps to take the time to stretch your neck, shoulders, back, and legs every hour for tension relief and to prevent any aches that might have started to build up. This will keep your body loose and get blood moving around your entire body. You can use a timer or an app to remind you to make those little breaks. These keep your body going and provide that sense of living throughout the day.
Work at a Standing Desk
Sitting and standing during your working hours will greatly improve blood circulation, which will reduce the discomfort linked to sitting for an extended time. A standing desk gives you the opportunity to switch between sitting and standing positions, which may prevent muscle fatigue and also help to generally improve your posture while working. In case you cannot get a fully standing desk, you can consider using adjustable desks that allow you to switch from a sitting position to a standing position and vice versa with ease, or you can consider a standing desk converter that will raise your monitor and keyboard so that you can be able to have an ergonomic setup.
Refresh Your Furniture and Seating
When you find yourself in a single position for extended periods, it becomes incredibly important to ensure that your seating arrangement is not only comfortable but also supportive in nature. To enhance the level of comfort in your space, consider using outdoor furniture cushions along with various other foam products that can serve to improve and upgrade your chair or any designated seating area significantly, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. The Foam Factory does offer a wide variety of options in foam to suit very different requirements and preferences. There are outdoor foam replacements, which are meant to be used in the elements, and custom cushion inserts, which could really make your office seat more comfortable while you sit there for such long working hours. These foam inserts can even come in handy if you’re working from home, where they make a cozier bed for your lovely pets.