5

Workspace health, any pro tips?

over 8 years ago from , Product Design

Recently I became more aware of my own well being at work because I began noticing some minor health problems creeping up. (headaches, eyesore, neck strain, etc.)

I'm starting to make small changes to help improve them.

Currently I'm started: * Using Flux in the evening * Take standing breaks every 20 mins * Take a 5 min break every hour

My vision as a designer is probably one of the most overlooked aspect of health. Anyone have any experiences with PC glasses?

Any tips to stay healthy at work?

20 comments

  • Ryan Coughlin, over 8 years ago

    Stand up desk and you're good to go.

    4 points
  • Louis-André LabadieLouis-André Labadie, over 8 years ago

    If you're a designer, you probably have concept work and production work to do. Production is at your computer. Concept, usually, can be done elsewhere. Walk for a bit, carry something to take notes with. Parks and cafés break up your routine, and if you can find a couple of quiet places to do some thinking when needed, you'll be generally happier and more relaxed.

    As for production work, it tends to happen at your desk, doesn't it? Once you read up on basic ergonomics, find a setup that doesn't tire you out in a normal day. I personally don't have a fancy chair, but it is carefully setup, and I sometimes move my setup to a standing desk for a few days. Pay attention to your neck, shoulders, wrists, etc. Experiment a bit.

    Personal recommendation: I've come to love Rest.app.

    3 points
    • Jonathan YapJonathan Yap, over 8 years ago

      Generally good tip. I used to do that more often in agency environment, much less now in a product company. Still finding the right balance for it

      1 point
  • Matt SistoMatt Sisto, over 8 years ago

    This is what keeps me happy and healthy at work:

    • REGULAR EXERCISE
    • Aeron (or comparable) chair
    • Adjustable standing/seated desk. You can get a Varidesk (http://www.varidesk.com) for a few hundred to augment a normal desk.
    • Get your monitors to just below eye level
    2 points
  • Joseph AlbaneseJoseph Albanese, over 8 years ago

    If you can, get a stand up desk.

    2 points
  • Tom HareTom Hare, over 8 years ago

    Stretching. Particularly before you go to bed.

    I also always try and get out of my office for 20-30 minutes at lunch. Go for a walk and keep loose. I make my own lunch but always try and make sure I need to go to the shop for one ingredient (fresh bread roll, for example). Good excuse to get out.

    2 points
    • Jonathan YapJonathan Yap, over 8 years ago

      Mostly because I take the train to work, so I get plenty of walking done everyday.

      Won't stretching before sleeping keep you up from sleeping?

      0 points
      • Tom HareTom Hare, over 8 years ago

        Light stretching (not a full-on workout) before bed relaxes your muscles so helps with sleep. Mileage may vary.

        1 point
  • Rye Castillo, over 8 years ago (edited over 8 years ago )

    I use Gunnar Haus non-RX glasses, and they cut down on a significant amount of glare. I'm not squinting and getting headaches like I used to. The only downside is (for the Haus, at least) they're kind of tight around the temples, so I have to take them off every so often throughout the day. Otherwise I've been pleasantly surprised at how much they've helped.

    Also: this sounds really weird, but you can find eye yoga on YouTube.

    1 point
  • Parag RParag R, over 8 years ago (edited over 8 years ago )

    I bought a Rain laptop stand so I dont slouch at my desk. Best $42 I spent. http://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-10032-mStand-Laptop/dp/B000OOYECC

    1 point
  • Alex VanderzonAlex Vanderzon, over 8 years ago

    Get up regularly, every 20-30 minutes for at least 2 minutes! Sitting time has been linked to poor health outcomes.

    If your are sitting a lot during the day in the office or the car. Do some exercise at night. Even a 30 minute walk will be good for your health and even your creativity.

    1 point
  • Helen Bess, almost 2 years ago

    We all work hard. And it is not easy to find time for health. Almost all office workers have issues with back. Also stress really affects us. A lot of men, even young, suffer from ED because of it. Of course, they can buy Viagra online, but it doesn't solve the problem. My husband and I decided to take care of our health. We started doing sports, go cycling every weekend, go to the pool. Also we changed our nutrition. By the way, when I'm at the office, I stand up at least one time in an hour to limber up.

    0 points
  • Ryan Hicks, over 8 years ago

    How does Flux affect your colors when designing? That's the only reason I'm not using it.

    0 points
  • Account deleted over 8 years ago

    Apart from what's already been mentioned, I've had nice success with doing kick-ups. Get a football if you work alone!

    0 points
  • Arma GetronArma Getron, over 8 years ago

    Get a mogo.

    0 points
  • Jeff HorschJeff Horsch, over 8 years ago (edited over 8 years ago )

    I also started to notice eye strain after I began working on a Mac laptop. Visine Eye drops have really helped.

    I also usually have the screen on dim unless I'm working with color.

    As for the neck/back, I highly suggest getting a high density foam roller. There are a ton of stretches you can do on it and it will save you many trips to the chiropractor. (but that would be for the home unless you have a gym in your office)

    0 points
  • Hyemi OhHyemi Oh, over 8 years ago

    Find the office chair that's best for you. Walk in the park or neighborhood to clear your mind.

    0 points