Ergonomic tips can be tough to remember. During busy work days, your mind is likely focused on the task at hand and far away from perfect posture. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. You’re not alone. We’re here to help. Today on Ergonomics 101 we’ll provide you with 6 simple phrases to live by. If you can remember these basic tips, you’ll definitely see productivity levels, comfort, and posture improve. 1.) The Chair Is Only As Good As Its Owner. Even the most expensive office chair won’t keep you operating efficiently if you don’t take the time to master its features. It’s absolutely essential to master your chair and its features. You need to commit the functions performed by the levers located underneath your chair seat on the mechanism to memory. This way, you can adjust at a moments notice. Taking a “set it and forget it” approach to office comfort will not earn you the results your looking for. Bust out the owners manual and give it a read. If available, watch a demo video online. You’ll be sitting pretty in no time! 2.) You Gotta Get Up To Get Down. The sit to stand revolution is in full swing. And like the song says, “You gotta get up to get down”. As sitting for long periods of time can be damaging to your health, it’s a good idea to spend some time operating from a standing position. With nearly every reputable ergonomic product manufacturer on the planet offering some form of sit to stand desktop riser for healthy working, it’s time to get on board with this booming movement. The ability to switch from sitting to standing positions will improve blood flow while encouraging continuous movement that reduces the strain incurred from sitting stationary for hours at a time. Once you integrate a sit to stand station into your workspace, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without tit. 3.) Breaks Are Essential. The longer you work without taking a break, the more your posture and performance pays the price. At least once every hour, you need to stand up from your workstation to get the blood flowing. Stretch out those tired bones, allow your eyes to adjust from staring at the computer screen, and hydrate. You’ll return to your personal office desk refreshed and far more likely to obey the ergonomic operating tips you’re hoping to turn into habits. 4.) The Office Chair Base Is Not A Foot Rest. Here’s a simple reminder that will help you avoid cramping due to poor blood flow. Each time you perch your feet on the base of your office chair, you’re restricting circulation. Form the habit of keeping your feet placed flat on the ground and facing forward when operating. You’ll feel more stable and you’ll be far more effective throughout the course of your work day. Using the base of your chair as a foot rest for long periods of time has got to stop. 5.) Looking Down Gets A Frown. The time you spend looking down at your computer screens, is causing your neck harm. Lucky for you, this ones an easy fix. Grab a shoebox, place it on your desk, and put your monitors on top. If you’re on the hunt for a more professional option we recommend a dual screen articulating monitor mount from a brand like Symmetry Office or OFM. They attach in minutes and provide seemingly unlimited adjustment capabilities. Regardless of the route you choose to take, get those screen raised pronto. Your neck will thank you! 6.) How Can I Improve? The quest to become ergonomically correct is never finished. About once a month you need to address and analyze your personal areas of discomfort. Don’t settle for unhealthy operating. Making the changes needed to adapt to the tasks your work day throws at you will have you on the cutting edge of comfort. While we’re not recommending rushing out to purchase every new fangled ergonomic product on the market. We are saying that you need to be proactive about comfort. Learn to recognize the signs your body gives you. If you’re feeling fatigued, strained, or in pain of any kind, there’s likely a solution on the market to assist you. Find it, learn it, use it.