I was just reminded by an article in my massage journal that how we work on a computer, any kind–phone, tablet, desktop–matters. Heck, just how we sit matters. If you are over 40 your mom probably told you to sit up straight, well, she was right.
When sitting at a desk it is best to have our knees at a 90° with our feet flat on the floor. As I type this I’m sitting on a stool in my kitchen my left leg is bent with my foot against my right thigh and my right foot is on the rung of the stool with only the ball of the foot and big toe supported–not good. I really shouldn’t be sitting here for a long period because I am not able to put my feet flat with a 90° angle in my knees.
We need to be able to lean back, not all the way as in a lounge chair but to support our back. I am sitting slightly forward with only my very low back against the stool.
Our monitor, or whatever we are working on, needs to be at eye level. Check! I got that right!
When working on a computer, we have a tendency to use both hands, therefore, our forearms need to be supported from the elbow to the wrist. Check! Got it!
If using a tablet the monitor and hand/arm placement is an issue that is not easily corrected. I have attempted correct posture and limb placement with my tablet and never seem to find the proper fit. If you have, please let me know how.
Don’t wait too long to fix your posture, I can say from experience—as I have proven here—that it is tough to change the habits. When is too late? When you feel pins and needles in you hands or forearms, or your neck hurts, or you get frequent headaches (more than one a month), or you have an arch in your upper back with your shoulders rolling forward, etc. It’s best to change before you feel discomfort.
Oh, massage can help with the aches and pains you get from improper sitting, or even standing, so give us a call or book online now! Even if you have waited too long.
There are tons of articles, blogs, Facebook posts, etc. about posture but the one I like best is from Lifehack.org. Did you watch it? If not, you need to. It is quick, only 2 minutes long and it explains how not only you, but your child should sit at a computer. Great job Lifehack.org!
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