Tips for Grads: Evaluate your work posture
Career Development
May is Posture Month! Have you evaluated your computer workstation and working habits to improve your posture? Whether you are working remotely or working on your final assignments for the semester, it is important to make sure you prioritize your comfort and safety. Consider the following tips provided by Environment, Health & Safety at UW–Madison.
Start moving. Try taking a break from your work every 30 minutes for at least 10 seconds. Moving around gives your body the opportunity to refresh and reduce the risk of injuries. Also, make sure to keep moving every hour even when you’re still seated!
Change it up. If you are able, consider standing while you work – find a counter or tall surface and wear comfortable shoes. If you prefer to stay seated, make sure you are able to switch hands, alternate tasks, and change locations in order to prevent repetitive motion injuries.
Check in and correct. Consider evaluating your posture by setting an alarm every hour to see what you may need to change – are you an arm’s length away from your screen? Are your forearms parallel to the ground? Are your feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest? Adjust your habits as needed!