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Discussion on: Has your job impacted your physical health?

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ryansmith profile image
Ryan Smith

Aside from occasional eye irritation, nothing too concerning here. I am very mindful of the potential issues and try to avoid them. Here are my tips:

  • Invest in a good chair. I have the Steelcase Leap which is not cheap, but worth the investment since being at the computer is my job and hobbies, so I spend a lot of time there.
  • Sit with good posture. Having the nice chair isn't enough, don't hunch over the keyboard or "zoom in" with your neck.
  • Invest in a comfortable keyboard. I prefer ergonomic keyboards because they more naturally fit your hands and wrists. Microsoft's Ergonomic Keyboard is not too expensive and has served me well. That fancy RGB-lit mechanical keyboard may be a dream to type on, but if you have to strain and contort yourself to do so, it isn't worth it.
  • Do wrist stretches every so often to help prevent carpal tunnel or repetitive stress injury.
  • Take a break every so often and go for a walk.
  • Exercise in your free time.
  • For the eyes, I have screen brightness set fairly low and use the night light overlay.
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shofol profile image
Anower Jahan Shofol

Hi Ryan, I was looking for some recommendations about the chair. I always set my mind for a good chair but seeing the price, I am still away from it but my back hurts now and then. Can you show yours or recommend a good one as you said about the keyboard?

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ryansmith profile image
Ryan Smith

I'm not too sure about other chair recommendations as I have used the Steelcase Leap for a while. I think you may have to do some research and see if you can try sitting in some of them.

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rickmills profile image
Rick Mills • Edited

Couldn't agree more on the chair. I have a Herman Miller Mirra, which after trying the Aeron I found to be a lot more comfortable. It's got a hard plastic back which you'd think would be uncomfortable but is the total opposite. Combined with adjustable seat pitch, lumbar, arm wrests etc make it great.

I've had it ~10 years now and its still going strong. If you're sitting on one of the local staples / office depot fake leather things you're in for a world of pain in your future - a decent chair is absolutely worth the price.

Also the breaks thing is super important. Even getting up to make a coffee is better than nothing. I see people at my workplace sit without moving all day and its just the worst thing you can do. It also acts as a good way to force yourself to step away from your code - some of my best ideas and thoughts on how to do things come when I'm away from my desk.

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Nick Taylor

Ahh interesting, I was going to pick up a used Herman Miller Aeron. We had them at my last job and they were pretty comfortable. I might have to try a Herman Miller Mirra before going either Aeron.