Sometimes we need a change to be made, one that enhances our ability to achieve our work goals within the comforts of our homes. The home workstation is often overlooked and never seems to be quite ideal. Some have turned more focus during the COVID pandemic to their working environment. The goal of reducing discomfort through analysis of the risks that lead to pain. The general topics can include lifting and manual materials handling which talks about how to lift and carry as well as pushing and pulling things. Home ergonomics expresses the importance of taking breaks and shifting positions frequently. It explains how to sit centered with items interacted with including the screen and peripherals. One will learn about the ideal distance to view the entire screen at one time with your neck in a neutral position (i.e., head not tilted back or forward or twisting too far to one side). If you are a console gamer, one would hold their controller with your arms relaxed and by your sides and your wrists straight. Use the lightest touch possible when activating your controller switches. Ensure there is adequate lighting with no glare shining off of the screen. Turn off or limit the time using any vibration feedback features of the controllers. If you use handheld devices including tablets and smartphones have many ergonomic stressors. Here are some things to remember when computing on-the-go:

• Texting and other small-screen features can overload the thumbs so limit phone typing time to no more than 15 minute sessions and use BOTH thumbs.
• Stretch often when spending more than 20 minutes of concentrated time on your device.
• If you use a stylus, try to find one with larger and high grip handles to allow the grip to be more relaxed.
• Maintain a neutral posture, center or rotation of joints, while on your device. You may elect to use something to support the arms so that you are not holding them for long periods or maintaining a prolonged bent neck posture.

Gardening might be hard on the body due to the propensity for prolonged awkward postures, especially the back. So sound ergonomic basics should be remembered when gardening: keep work close to you, take frequent rest breaks, use the proper tools, and maintain neutral postures whenever possible. Playing musical instruments incur repetitive motions and/or static and sometimes awkward postures. For instruments that are played while seated, adjust your chair, bench, or stool fit your body dimensions. Try to match the height of your seat so that it places your knees and hips at about the same level. Practice ideal body mechanics for your instrument when playing but don't forget to warm up, stretch, and take adequate breaks. If you want to learn more about ergonomics in various activities in the workplace and around the home, consult with an ergonomic specialist with Ergobility.