Along the lines of taking a break, it’s so important to get up from your desk once in awhile. From the viewpoint of a writer who sits at a desk all day writing, editing and reading, getting up to take a break now and then not only is important for your mental well-being, it’s also important for your physical well-being.
People other than writers and editors sit at desks eight hours a day, and it’s important for them to get up and take a break as well.
After staring at a computer screen for hours on end, it’s easy to get tired eyes and even a headache. I even get “punchy” and stir crazy. Not to mention, sitting for so long takes its toll on a person’s body.
Think about it, you’re sitting in a small area all scunched up. And if you’re typing, that can have detrimental effects as well. Remember carpal tunnel syndrome? Throughout the years, there has been a movement to have ergonomically friendly workstations to help ease situations for office workers.
There now are ergonomically friendly chairs and keyboards. I use both. At first the ergonomic keyboard can be a bit difficult to adust to, but after awhile, it’s easy to see how the keyboard is easier on your arms and hands when you type. With carpal tunnel syndrome running rampant in the workplace, the keyboard truly helps. At least it has helped me.
With regard to the ergonomic chairs, it’s very important to sit correctly and have the correct posture when sitting at your desk and using a keyboard. It’s also pertinent to place your wrists and hands in the proper form to reduce the chance of carpal tunnel.
Getting up from your desk for a break is a smart idea. Take a couple minutes to stretch, walk around the building, or do whatever you need to do to take a much-needed breather. It always helps when you get back to your desk. You’ll actually feel ready to jump back into your writing, or whatever work you do.
