Sitting at a desk and staring at a screen is the day-in and day-out reality for many people. Whether it’s sitting in the office or they’re working from home, basking in the glow of a laptop screen as they cram in work before the rest of the household arises in the morning, the inactivity and strain on the eyes can result in both significant and onhgoing health niggles that leave you feeling less than great.
But is there anything you can do to negate the impact a sedentary lifestyle can offer you, especially when you need to be looking at a screen all day? There sure is. Let’s take a look.
Frequent Breaks
Whether you get up every hour to stretch your legs, take frequent trips to get a drink of water, or simply go for a walk around the house, remember to move from your sitting position every 30 to 60 minutes. Even 5 minutes is beneficial, and you can boost your wellness by alternating between sitting and standing every day. A sit-to-stand desk can benefit you here as can stretching and taking quick movement bursts to wake you up, shake out the tension, and get right back to things.
Blue Light Blockers
We are all aware of the dangers of blue light exposure on our eyes and sleep schedules, and those who spend their days looking at screens need to take precautions to limit their exposure. It’s essential to recognize that not all blue light is harmful or all exposure is bad.
Natural blue light is emitted from the sun and, in moderation, is beneficial; however, prolonged exposure to artificial blue light, i.e., light from screens, is unhealthy and has been linked to various health issues, including suppression of melatonin, eye strain, and potential vision problems. By proactively using blue light blockers, such as devices with filters already built into the design, blue light glasses, or special tints applied to glasses, you can eliminate these risks and reduce exposure, taking control of your health and well-being.
Ergonomic Desk
An ergonomic desk is a desk designed to minimize excessive and unnecessary movements while promoting good posture. Maintaining good posture is important to help you avoid those niggles and aches and pains associated with being in a still or similar position for too long, which can cause damage to your body. It means focusing on the height and position of screens, desktops, chairs, and more. You want to be able to look at your screen in front of you at eye level rather than looking down at a laptop, for example. Using mouse pads and wrist supports can protect your wrist when using a mouse. An adjustable chair with back support can prevent slouching and strain. Additionally, using a chair with wheels allows for more effortless movement, reaching for items or moving away to stand up. You can use back supports or cable tidies to remove trip hazards, and you can use footstools to help reduce stress on your body when sitting at your desk. With an ergonomic desk, you can feel the burden of your work setup lift, as it is designed to make your work environment more comfortable and less taxing on your body.
