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Why Students Should Use Ergonomic Equipment

study deskPhoto from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://www.flexispot.com/spine-care-center/Workplace-Health/why-students-should-use-ergonomic-equipment/

As the demands of school and life weigh heavier on students, it is increasingly difficult for them to maintain their grades and balance a healthy social life. The exhaustion resulting from being stuck to their desks for prolonged hours affects both their physical and mental wellbeing. With the world in constant flux, there is now a solution to ease the stress for students: Ergonomics for students.

Student life has some great fun-filled days, but some other days, the projects and assignments will zap the energy, especially with the pressure of tests and exams. However, with an ergonomic setup, this might become a more manageable situation for you. Ergonomics is not only the key to better grades but also a healthy lifestyle.

 

Before we get into the ergonomics you need and how to use them, let’s start with what’s most important; the benefits.

First, this is a healthy solution, and your body will thank you for it. You don’t have to deal with aches resulting from prolonged sitting, staring at a laptop with poor lumbar support. To avoid long-term musculoskeletal injuries, switch to ergonomics. The earlier you start treating your body, the better your future will be. Remember, even though you can’t feel the aches now, continued pressure on your muscles will eventually lead to health problems.

The second thing is posture. Practicing good posture is not easy when you don’t have the right equipment. It is almost as if the wrong setup lulls you into slouching and bending at uncomfortable positions while working. Good posture puts less pressure on your body. Therefore, you can work longer and get more done.

Did you also know that your desk setup can affect your mood? Some people begin to feel blue soon as they see their study area because it is uncomfortable and exhausting. It also reminds them of how demotivated they often are when sitting and working on projects there. You can change this by investing in a desk set up that uplifts your moods, boosting your performance and energy levels.

The fitness transformation movement has taken shape, especially among young people. College students sure want to achieve their fitness goals, but with the demands of school life, they don’t have much time to put into fitness. An ergonomic setup can help you kill two birds with one stone. You get to work out as you work on your school projects. Win-win, right?

Now what?

You have an inkling of the benefits of using ergonomic setups for your schoolwork. You also know that the longer you spend slouching and cozying up to a sedentary lifestyle, the higher the risks. So now what?

Well, besides getting an ergonomic setup, which we will discuss in a bit, here is a checklist to help you stay healthy and productive even buried in school projects:

· Pay attention to your posture

It is important that you pay attention to how you sit at your desk. Most people look for positions they deem comfortable, but these could be causing more harm than good to your body. The correct sitting posture is to ensure that your feet are touching the ground and sufficiently supported on the floor. You can use an anti-fatigue mat for this. When properly seated, your knees and hips should be at a 90-degree angle. You should also be able to move forward and backward on the chair without needing your arms to support you.

· Check your computer position.

Even with the right study area set up, your study materials could let you down. It is important that you set your keyboard and mouse to your elbow height when seated. The screen of your monitor should be eye level from you. If you’re using a laptop, which is trickier, you need to ensure that it is set up to your eye level when seated. This prevents you from leaning forward, which will cause strain on your neck, back, and eyes. If possible, elevate your laptop to achieve the right position, then use an external keyboard.

· Take regular breaks

Prolonged sitting or even standing is detrimental to your health. Even when you are neck-deep in assignments, it is important to take regular breaks. The human body was built for movement. Therefore, allow yourself posture breaks to give your muscles room to relax. You should ideally take breaks every two hours and check on your posture every half hour. Alternating between sitting, standing, and taking short walks around will help you remain productive. Admittedly, taking breaks when deadlines are glaring at you is difficult; however, try it, and you’ll see how much faster you can get your work cleared up.

· Stretch and exercise

Regular exercise is very effective in keeping your energy levels up and boosting performance. You can do quick stretches at your desk as you work or exercise during your break. Stretches won’t take away from your study time. Investing in a desk set up that doubles as workout equipment can also help you achieve this without leaving your project.

· Watch what you eat

One of the main things that students neglect when they are studying is food and water. Remember to hydrate and eat healthy meals.

With that covered, you now need to know the right supplies and equipment for the ideal ergonomic setup.

The ideal ergonomic setup for students

The ideal ergonomic setup consists of desks, chairs, and other accessories that you may need. The benefits of a sit-stand desk and ergonomic chair cannot be overlooked. But, as you select the ideal supplies, you need to consider a couple of things.

First, you have your workload. Do you need a lot of space on the desk? If you have a lot of study materials with you, you need a desk surface that can accommodate your supplies as you work. The size of the desk you go for will also be determined by the space you have. How big is your study area? What about the load capacity? Will the table you get comfortably hold all your materials without wobbling at different height settings?

 

· Standing desks

A standing desk is one of the best investments that a college student can make. We’ve established that the workload for students can be overwhelming and leaves them glued to their desks for long periods. This can lead to serious health problems. However, using a standing desk can mitigate these risks and help you live a happy and healthy life. It will also help you be more productive and energetic.

As you look for a standing desk, remember to consider its features and the sizes as discussed above. We have a recommendation for the FlexiSpot height adjustable standing desk. The desk combines all the advantages of a standing desk and a whiteboard. You get a dry-erase whiteboard desktop that is spacious, durable, and smooth. You can jo down notes and reminders – a convenient way to capture your ideas before they escape with the wind.

The Flexispot Whiteboard standing desk converts easily into a whiteboard, and its stackable design helps you save on space. You can lock the desktop in place once you’ve achieved your desired angle. It has five adjustable angles. It is also fitted with 4-rolling wheels to help you move it around with ease. The anti-collision feature ensures the desk surface doesn’t crush into objects while it is in motion.

With a spacious under the desk space, you can add accessories to help you stay productive.

· Ergonomic chair

As students look into the best chair for their study area, you may want to consider a 2-in-1 chair or a desk bike. You need comfort, functionality, and ergonomic capabilities. Purchasing an ergonomic chair will help you remain comfortable as you get through your projects. A good example is the Flexispot Sit2Go 1-in-1 fitness chair. If you consider the desk we mentioned above, this seat will fit under the desk with ease and help you work and work out with ease. The Flexispot chairs allow you to work out at various height settings comfortably.

· Accessories

Ergonomic accessories complete your workspace. These include desk converters; if you don’t want to get a standing desk, you can go for one of these. Another accessory to consider is the monitor arms, anti-fatigue mats, especially for when you are standing.

Finally

Research has outlined the importance of ergonomic work equipment across the board. Though ergonomics have mostly been associated with work settings, it is quite clear that students need ergonomic setups for their workspaces. We understand that dorm rooms are quite limited in space, which is why transformable setups are ideal.

Investing in ergonomic gear for college students will help them increase their productivity and avoid health risks associated with prolonged sitting and poor posture. The first step is getting the equipment; the second step is setting them up correctly. Even with the right equipment, without the right setup, they might not be very effective. Therefore, find the sweet spot in the ideal height settings for your sit-to-stand desk and your chair.

Lastly, even as you use this ergonomic equipment, remember to take regular breaks and switch between sitting and standing as you work. The effectiveness of ergonomic gear is dependent on your proper utilization.

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