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Ways to Sit in an Office Chair

The human body was not built to sit in a chair for the entire working day. Unfortunately, that's the position in which some people find themselves. To avoid pain, discomfort or injury, it's a good idea to get up and walk around every half-hour or so. While you're sitting in the chair, observe some do's and don'ts to keep your body healthy.

  1. Alignment

    • Keep both feet on the ground and position yourself, and the keyboard, so that you are naturally able to type with your arms parallel to the floor. Doing this may seem a little rigid, but it is the best way to work at a computer screen without causing damage to your arms or legs.

    Footrest

    • If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to have both feet on the ground, consider putting your feet on a footrest. This helps the circulation in your legs and ensures that your knees are at a 90-degree angle, which is what you should be aiming for while seated. Avoid resting your feet on another chair, which impairs circulation because your legs are too straight.

    Sit Back

    • Push your hips as far back in the seat as possible. Sitting on the front edge of your seat will induce pain in your buttocks and is also not good for your posture. If buttock pain remains, raise the chair height to decrease the pressure on the buttocks and increase the pressure on the thighs.

    Sitting Straight

    • The best way to avoid back pain is to sit up with your back and neck straight. To do this you will have to adjust your chair and your monitor. If you are leaning forward to read the screen, raise the monitor and increase the font size on the screen. Make sure the back of your chair is straight so your back can rest comfortably straight against it.

    Wrong Ways

    • Experts advise against several ways to sit in an office chair. Sitting with one or both of your legs crossed can cause cramping and pain in your knees. Hunching over the computer screen can cause back pain. Having your body at an angle will also likely damage your neck. This happens when your head is facing away from the screen and you have to twist your neck to see the screen.

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