Creating a healthy work environment for your body is crucial for maintaining overall wellness, structural health, and optimizing productivity. Let’s face it. We spend a lot of our time working – whether at an office, out and about with people, or from home. Because we spend so much time at work, it makes sense that we at Caring Medical discuss our patients’ work environments as something that needs attention. As we have said numerous times, we can provide regenerating injection treatments, but what happens outside of our office in your daily lives is just as important.
Let’s look at 5 ways to optimize your workplace.
- Set yourself up correctly! We encourage you to speak with your Caring Medical provider regarding optimal ergonomics for your condition(s). Some people require a posture that has you looking up at your computer and/or phone; some require more standing vs sitting; some need a posture roll behind their backs in their chairs; some benefit from wrist support; some need to change switch their mouse hands.
Some of our patients with neck injuries must be extremely cautious about putting their heads in the facedown or head forward posture. Often being in this position for many hours is what contributed to the injuries in the first place. Some patients are unable to turn their heads right or left due to blood flow cutting off leading to symptoms, thus facing straight ahead and slightly up is the best position for these people. Truly, everyone should stop looking down at their phones for many hours at a time!
The goal is to promote good posture, reduce worsening of symptoms that you are coming to Caring Medical for, and to reduce the risk of developing further repetitive strain injuries. If you are unsure what positions are best for you, please contact us right away!
- Get off your rear! 😊 Remember to incorporate movement into your workday. Lack of movement during long periods of increased sitting can lead to other health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, let alone worsen your structural issues. Smart watches, timers, or yellow sticky notes can all serve as reminders to get up and move. Stand up, stretch, and walk around at least once per hour. To take it to the next level, perform 10 squats, use an exercise band for some arm and shoulder movement, or if your floor is clean – lie down and do a few sit ups or pushups! It all adds up! If you work at a desk most of the day, consider using a standing desk to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting.
- Light your world! Ensure that your workspace has adequate lighting to reduce eye strain and improve overall comfort. Some of our patients prefer less light due to increased pupil diameters leading to light sensitivity. Using more natural light may prove more comfortable in these situations. Adjust your computer screen’s brightness to be like your surroundings – as blue light from your computer may contribute to eye strain. Minimize glare from windows or lights or use an anti-reflective coating on your glasses to reduce glare. Some find blue blocker glasses helpful as well.
- Do you need earplugs? If possible, create a quiet workspace to minimize distractions and reduce stress, allowing you to concentrate and reduce brain fatigue.
- Watch what goes in your mouth! As we always do, we encourage you to eat fresh and clean foods. Keep a water bottle at your desk and take time to eat healthy snacks/meals during the day.
Everyone’s needs are unique, so listen to your body (and your Caring Medical team) and make adjustments that will enhance your work environment, as well as your overall health and well-being, which in turn, may also improve your productivity!
