Top 3 Tips From A Guy Who Sits At A Desk All Day

Working Monday to Friday, 9-5. Most office workers will have this in common.  Want to know another thing many of us have in common? Ignoring our bodies when they are giving clues about repetitive postural habits and movements. We’ve gotten so good at tuning out that little voice in our minds. The one that’s trying to steer the ship when we start to veer off course.

“I’m only here for another hour, I’ll stretch when I get home.” Mmmhmm.  Sure you will.

“Oh that’s just the normal pain I get in my wrist from using a mouse all day.”  Normal? Normal!?

Lies. It’s all filthy lies!

And I should know because that was basically me every day for the past two decades. Luckily, I’ve found myself in an environment where I can pick up a trick or two to help combat this stuff. Because trust me, ignoring these warning signs can lead you down a path you reeaally don’t want to be on. Here are my top three easy solutions to some common office related ouchies.

1. Get Up & Pee Already

Even if you don’t need to go, take the walk anyhow. You need to get your body into a different position if even only for a few minutes. Do this every 60 minutes. And if your co-workers start to give you funny looks because it’s your 5^thtrip to the bathroom, switch it up. Go grab a snack or some water, take a lap (or 2) around the office for 60 seconds. Just make sure you give your body a rest from the seated (and probably imperfect), rounded neck/back posture that we all tend to find ourselves in.

2. Get  Yourself A Screen Shader

This one was HUGE for me. I used to get the worst headaches from staring at a monitor for a full day. I’ve been able to curb my throbbing temples significantly after installing a free to use screen shader extension on Chrome. Check it out! Your eyes will thank you. There is a shade for everyone. This one is a life saver.

3. Get Yourself A Vertical Mouse

Full disclosure – this one  is going to feel super weird for the first week or so. A little like trying to throw a ball with your wrong hand, but trust me, your neck, shoulder, and wrist will absolutely love you for it. Humour me and play along while you read this.

Put your hand on your conventional mouse right now. Fingers splayed out over the button and roller wheel as per usual.
Take a look at your arm now. Your wrist is probably bent, your elbow is probably pointing out to your side, and your neck and shoulder muscles are probably tightening up right now in order to keep your arm up and pointed out. It doesn’t sound all that bad right? Until we realize that we’re “not that bad” for between 6-8 hours a day.

Now, if you’ll take hold of your mouse and rotate your hand 90 degrees so that your palm is facing in, I’m willing to bet that you just noticed a difference in your bicep, shoulder, neck, or even your chest!
I’m telling you, these vertical mouses (mice?) are worth their weight in gold. (They’re actually worth about 65 to 100 dollars.) Don’t get the cheap 35 dollar one on amazon because it will last you about 2 weeks!

You’re going to feel super awkward and clumsy at first but your body will notice the change in the stress and pressure on those tired muscles IMMEDIATELY, and that is a pretty good trade for some temporary lack of dexterity if you ask me.

So That’s It. You’re Cured.

Ok not cured but I’m confident you’re pointing in the right direction now. Doing these 3 things can instantly make your life better or my name isn’t Thomas Archibald Rutherford III.  It’s not, but I still swear by these tips.

Until next time!