Are you one of the 80% of desk workers that suffer from arm, neck or shoulder pain due to a ‘workstation’ that is not fitted to you?

Here are my tips for how to ease those aches and pains…

Tip 1 – Its all about you

Think of your workstation as if it was your car; if someone else had been driving it you would adjust the seat and mirrors to fit your needs. So when you sit on your work chair at that start of the work day – is it fitted to you?

Backrest at the correct height and position.

Tip 2 – Head, shoulders knees and toes

• Start with your chair – does the chair back fit into the curve of your lower back?

• Adjust your chair and monitor so that the top of your monitor is level with your eyes.

• Bend your elbows to 90 degrees with shoulders relaxed and dropped; the underside of your fingers should be just over the keys, as if you were playing a piano.

• When you have done this check that your feet are flat on the floor, if not try  a footrest.

Tip 3 – Give yourself a break

Its hard to tear yourself away from some work when you are on a roll, but getting our of your chair every 30 minutes will decrease the aches and pains. When you adjust your position and walk around, your prevent the muscles from overstraining. Just getting up for a drink, or taking a comfort break, can stop this damage.

If you need more help with your desk ‘fit’, please call me at the Lloyd’s Wellbeing Centre on 020 7327 5341.