How to Properly Sit at a Computer

 Does your job require you to sit down for 40 or more hours per week? If you're like the majority of all Americans, the answer is yes. Hunching over a computer keyboard is so simple when sitting for prolonged periods. However, bad office chair posture may cause some not-so-welcome unwanted effects -- including tension/pain in the neck, spine, knees and hips, and poor circulation.

The good news is, it's likely to undo these potential issues with correct sitting posture, exercise and a supportive office chair. If you are wondering how to improve posture while at your desk, consider the following best practices:

1. Proper Desk Chair Hair Posture

Poor posture (e.g., slumped shoulders, protruding neck and curved spine) is the offender of physical pain that many office workers encounter. It's imperative to be mindful of the importance of good posture throughout the workday. Aside from reducing anxiety and improving physical health, good posture also can enhance your mood and self-confidence! Here is how to sit properly at a computer: 

1. Adjust the chair height so your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are consistent (or slightly lower) with your hips.
2. Ensure the computer keyboard is shut and directly facing you.
3. To help your neck stay relaxed and in a neutral place, the track should be directly in front of you, a couple inches above eye level.
4. Sit at least 20 inches (or a arm's length) away from the monitor.
5. Relax the shoulders and also be conscious of them climbing toward your ears or rounding forwards throughout the workday.

2. Posture Exercises

Studies recommend moving for brief periods every 30 minutes or when sitting for lengthy intervals to increase blood circulation and re-energize the body. In addition to taking short breaks at work, here are a couple of exercises to test after work to improve your position:

1. Something as simple as a 60-minute power walk can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting and participate in the muscles required for good posture. 
2. Basic yoga poses can work wonders for your body: They encourage proper alignment by extending and strengthening the muscles such as those at the back, neck and hips that get stressed when sitting. 
3. Place a foam roller beneath your spine (wherever you are feeling tension or stiffness), rolling from side to side.  This basically functions as a massage on your back and can allow you to sit up straighter at your desk with less distress. 

3. Get A Supportive Chair

Correct posture is easier with the right seat. The best chairs for good posture should be inviting, comfy, flexible and durable. Search for the following features on your office seat:

1. Backrest that supports your upper and lower back, adhering to the natural curve of your spine
2. Ability to adjust the seat height, armrest height and the backrest's reclining angle
3. Supportive headrest
4. Comfortable padding on the back and chair 

Concept Chairs sells ergonomically made supportive seats that promote proper body alignment so as to improve posture, reduce pain and increase productivity. Contact Concept Seating now to learn more on the perfect seat for your office environment.