Those of us who enjoy adjusting our workstation to optimize the benefits of Ergonomics have probably know everything there is to know about computer ergonomics. We live it, breathe it and preach it.
However, have we taken a good look at our home? Is our home ergonomic?
Soft Wheel Casters
There are a few 'danger' zones in our home when we look closely.
Of course, it is not dangerous like crossing a rushing river, but why settle for second best? Over a long period of time an non-ergonomic home can lead you to developing aches and pains, bad posture habits in your children, affect your rest and sleep quality... so on and so forth. We can utilize the principles of ergonomics and apply them to our home too.
Get Rid of Clutter
Our home is a place of peace and rest, a safe haven from the world of school and work. If our home is untidy, dirty and full of clutter, we will not rest as well. This is difficult to quantify. For example, I cannot tell you how many things you must put away to ensure that feeling of peace. However, I'll invite and encourage you to test the theory. Studies have shown that your sleep is affected if you have a busy bedside table. If you clear away most things or keep them hidden in the drawers and only leave a clock, your reading glasses and maybe a book on your bedside table, the quality of your sleep increases.
So if you want to apply ergonomics in your home, get rid of cluttered spaces. Confront your bedroom first, because that's where you sleep. Then your dining table and then your living area where you rest and watch your children play. Of course, if you can declutter your entire home - that's the best.
Is your pillow and mattress good for your neck and back?
Sleep posture and quality of sleep is also affected by the quality of your mattress and your pillow. Is your pillow giving you support? Is it ergonomic? There are some ergonomic pillows that have a memory foam which settles your head and neck in the optimal position. If you especially have a bad back, ensure that you get orthopaedic mattress.
Sofas
Check your sofa. Some sofas are too soft and they cause you to sink in. Your approaching to buying a sofa has to be similar to buying an ergonomic chair. While you don't need that caster wheels or all that structure, a sofa has to be comfortable yet not strain your back. This is especially so if the sofa is exceptionally low, making it a strain to get out from.
Dining Tables
Most dining tables are not ergonomic because they are standard height. All of us at the family dinner table are not of standard height so we are actually dining in a non-ergonomic position. However our body is adaptable so if it is just for an hour or two, dining tables are fine. However, if your child or yourself works on your dining table - whether it is school work, or personal projects, be careful that you or they do not work on it for too long. If that is the only table in the house for work, please consider getting an ergonomic desk. Of course, this depends on the frequency of work that you do as well.
Other Miscellaneous home devices
If you do gardening or snow shoveling, always look for ergonomic tools. Not only they can save you energy and effort, they are safer as well.