The ABCs of Proper Desk Posture

By Woman's Day Staff

The ABCs of Proper Desk Posture
The ABCs of Proper Desk Posture



Logging lots of computer time? Check the position of your monitor. Sitting correctly at a computer has everything to do with keeping your body ache-free.The top of the screen should fall below eye level. Because your eyes naturally gaze downward, that's the best way to keep them relaxed (which will prevent eye strain and headaches), says Hope Ricciotti, MD, coauthor of The Real Life Body Book. And studies show that positioning the screen this way may also boost productivity and performance. Read on for more desk posture tips.

Arms: Keep them by your sides at a 90-degree angle while typing. (You may have to scoot your chair in or out.)

Watch this video for exercise moves that help relieve and prevent pain.

Shoulders: Drop them down, and keep them relaxed. If they're scrunched up by your neck, it may mean that your chair is too low, so adjust the seat accordingly.

Feet: Plant them flat on the ground while you're seated. Can't reach? Invest in a footrest or stack up books.

Back: Leaning too far back or hunching forward can wreak havoc on your vertebrae. Your lower back should touch the part of your chair where the seat and back meet. If it doesn't, buy a lumbar support cushion or a small pillow and put it behind your back.

Remember: Your torso- from hips to head-should be in a straight line.

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.

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