It's Time To Get Your Ergo On - Part Three

In the last installment of our three-part series: Time To Get Your Ergo On, we are excited to present you with some more great tips and tricks to get you organized, productive, and stress-free no matter where you might find yourself working.   

Let’s Do This!

Tip #1 - Stay Organized 

What does being organized have to do with ergonomics, you ask?  A lot!  Studies show us that working in a clean, clutter-free environment may actually reduce stress and promote a healthy mindset. Being organized can save you time, leading to a more manageable work schedule.  Believe it or not, a lack of desktop clutter can have a positive impact on your posture.  

• Keep your work surfaces clean and organized.  Simply stated, keeping the items that you use on a daily basis clean and at arm’s reach (literally) will allow you to place your keyboard, mouse, notebook etc., directly in front of you and help minimize your exposure to unwanted germs and bacteria. 
• Avoid clutter under your desk. When sitting at your desk, it is important that your legs have enough clearance so that your knees are facing forward and are in alignment with your torso.  When standing at your desk, make sure you have a clean and clear area for your feet to stand. 

Tip #2 - What’s in your bag? 

If you find yourself alternating between working from home and the office, keeping the following items in your bag can help you easily set yourself up in either environment.

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Portable Laptop Riser
• Small Towel (for back support)
• Earphones
• Chargers

Tip #3: Avoid Burnout

• Set work boundaries. Between working from home (some or all of the time) and our constant use of our devices, the lines between work and ‘home” have become extremely blurred.  Make it a point to set firm work hours and do your best to stick to them.
• Take regular breaks.  We know this sounds counterintuitive, but taking regularly scheduled breaks is a  key to working productively. Your body and mind need those breaks in order to function at high capacity for the rest of your work day.  Best practice suggests taking short breaks (5 minutes or so) every 60 - 90 minutes and making sure to take your full break, for lunch or exercise (30-60 minutes) - away from your desk.
• Recharge that battery of yours! Somehow, the notion that skipping vacations, overworking on weekends, and toiling long hours into the night is a good thing!  And some of us even wear it as a badge of honor.  For a short while, this might seem to boost your productivity, but it is not sustainable and will lead you headlong into Burnoutville!  Be kind to yourself and take the time to recharge and enjoy the benefits of watching your productivity soar!

We hope this helps! If you missed part one and part two of this series, please check them out now. 

Until the next time!