4 ways to be more ergonomic at work

How you can be your most ergonomic self

As talent acquisition specialists we know too well how often we’re hunched over our laptops lurking on LinkedIn or similar database. We are also simultaneously glued to our phone. Okay, not actually glued — but who can tell the difference anyway? Moving on.

When you think about it we spend all this time using various pieces of technology, but never stop to think about how it affects our health and body. I mean, why do we constantly, constantly, c onstantly have these flat-out weird, never-ending, neck and back pains? Well, I can’t diagnose exactly where all your pain stems from but I can definitely pinpoint out one way to mitigate the majority of your pain through…Ergonomics.

If that wasn’t in your dictionary before, research it, memorize it, and add it into your everyday jargon right now. Well, actually, you don’t need to research it. I’ll tell you. Ergonomics studies exactly how efficient people are in their specific work environment. So let’s start identifying how you can begin implementing it into your daily (work) life.

You need this chair

Try and imagine your office for a second. Start to think about that piece of furniture you’ve probably grown very close to over the years, the one that’s had your back — literally. I’m talking about your office chair. Though you might have a love/hate relationship with it, your chair can make your work day that much more stress-free. With the ease of a certain swivel, your chair should be giving you support in all the right places.

Now, if you’re in love with the chair right now, great. But if you’re the least bit unhappy, listen closely. You should consider the Aeron chair. There’s a reason this chair is the number one thing you need in the office. The Aeron is the only chair that I can wholeheartedly say is the epitome of ergonomics. There’s a reason that all the techies in Silicon Valley consider where they apply based on the types of chairs available in the office. The Aeron aims to ensure that your body is supported evenly while seated. This means that you won’t have an awkward space with the bottom of your spine and your chair. In addition it will keep your blood flowing smoothly (beware tingly feelings in your feet). But, you know, if you’re tight on money, there’s always the classic yoga ball. Though it might not be on the same level as an Aeron chair, there is value in buying it to help your back.

Don’t be a slouch

One thing I know I’m guilty of is slouching. Slouching, even if it makes your feel relaxed, it actually does more harm to you than if you were in an upright position. When you slouch you put more weight on your lower back, and if you don’t have a chair that supports that area, slouching will increase lower back pain for you. In order to mitigate the damages that are happening to your lumbar, consider investing in the Lumoback. This small belt that you can wear around your lower back, gently vibrates every time you start slouching and “reminds you to keep your shoulder down and back and head lifted. it also connects to an app that tracks your posture, giving you gentle nudges to improve your posture.” In addition to leading a healthier lifestyle by not slouching, you will start to command more of a presence in the office as well. The Business Insider states that when you’re slouching “you’re not communicating confidence, presence, or openness to your coworkers.”

“Will the real slim shady please…”

Stand up. Seriously, stand up. When you’re getting too tired of sitting, and the lumoback isn’t working out for you, try standing up. According to Forbes, when you stand up you’re reducing the risk of obesity, you have more energy throughout the day because your blood is flowing better, and you’re also practicing proper posture. Now there are a variety of standing desk options you can choose from, but I prefer this one.

Immediate energy

So you’ve tried all of these different sitting or standing positions, and your posture could not be anymore perfect, but there’s just one more problem — you’re still lacking in energy. If you want to stop drinking that second cup of coffee, try thync-ing. Puns aside. This device will definitely give you that mid afternoon energy-boost your body craves so much. It works through sending sending signals that “activates your your brain’s adrenaline system” allowing you to be more productive and efficient with your work day.