When you sit at your desk all day long at work, it's hard to stay healthy.
Movements that you repeat over and over (such as answering the phone or reaching for a book) can lead to strains and stress. Reduce unnecessary movements as much as possible by keeping items you use often within arm's reach and using tools, such as a phone headset, to reduce repetitive movements. You should also alternate the hand you use to operate your computer's mouse.
Check out 'Be Healthy at Work - It's Your Job'
Proper workstation set-up guidelines can be found at
http://www.mcgill.ca/ehs/programs-and-services/ergonomics
Sitting at a desk all day also puts you at risk of back pain (particularly if you sit with poor posture), leg cramps, and tense muscles. It is recommended that a person break for 5-10 minutes for every hour spent at a workstation.
For example:
- Vary the work tasks. Break up keyboarding tasks work by doing other job duties or tasks that involve moving around or changing body position.
- Try to stand up and move around.
- Look away from the screen occasionally and focus your eyes on an object far away.
- Take regular rest breaks to ease muscle aches, eye strain and stress.
- Relax your muscles, stretch and change position
Try these office stretches stretching_in_the_office.pdf.
You may spend your workday at a desk, but you don't need to take it sitting down. In fact, sitting for long periods can be hazardous to your health. Check out the health and wellbeing blog for articles on this subject.