We all know the routine – turn up at the office and settle down for the daily grind in your office chair. It may be a little tatty, it’s probably uncomfortable but you’re stuck with it and you’ll spending most of your day in it.
You may or may not be surprised to know that there are a raft of health negatives associated with spending prolonged periods sitting down. Not only neck and back pain, but a slower metabolic rate and even diabetes are all associated with our sedentary office working style. So how do you turn your office chair from foe to friend?
Get Up, Stand Up
Try and move away from your office chair every hour, at least for a couple of minutes. Take a walk, even if it’s only to get another coffee. It’s even better if you can do some active stretching to elongate your spine. The important thing is that you get moving.
Get Aligned
If you have to bend your head to look at your screen you’re putting pressure on your neck that’s the equivalent of the weight of about thirty bags of sugar. Make sure your chair, desk and screen are in the proper alignment to ensure you’re sitting comfortably and without strain. Think about the way you’re sitting – if you’re off centre or leaning away from the chair back then you’ll need to adjust your chair’s backrest and height. When it comes to industry most companies like bestbuy-officechairs.co.uk/office-chairs/operator-chairs/ are able to provide office Operator Chairs that are ergonomically suited to individual needs.
Keep It Clean
Over the months and years your chair accumulates all kinds of dirt and dust that eventually starts to clog up the upholstery. Ever noticed that you’ve lost that comfortable feeling? Then get cleaning – a good vacuum once a week will soon have the cushions feeling plump again. Leather chairs will benefit from a wipe over with specialised polish to keep them supple. Finally check your casters are rolling freely. If you can no longer adjust your chair so that you’re sitting comfortably with your back and neck well supported, chances are it’s because you have missing parts that need to be replaced or repaired.
Follow these few simple rules, and your office chair will be your friend through 2016 and beyond.
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