Whether you work on a computer all day or you’re just on it for an hour or two sometimes, finding a set up that keeps you comfortable is so important and can feel so elusive. When you’re thinking about desk ergonomics, it’s really important to remember that computers (and especially laptops) were not designed with human bodies in mind. We have to intentionally set up our desks to accommodate ourselves, not the computer. Let’s start from the floor and work our way up.
Read moreThe Trouble with Chin Tucking
You’ve probably heard that a solution to “computer neck” or “phone neck” is to tuck your chin. It’s taught regularly as a back of the neck stretch by physical therapists and chiropractors. However, it often gets so strongly encouraged that some people end up constantly having their chin tucked which causes a huge number of problems.
Read moreWhere's Your Computer Mouse?
Have you ever considered the placement of your mouse on your desk? Where is it in relation to where you sit or stand? Close to you? Far from you? Tucked in front of you? Way off to one side? Each option has implications for your hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, and neck, and some options can really cause trouble. Here are a couple of recent examples from my clients.
Read moreMigraines, Headaches, and Jaw Tension
If you’re reading this article, chances are you suffer from migraines and/or headaches. I bet you also clench your jaw a lot. Take a moment to check in with your mouth. If someone put a pressure meter between your teeth, what would it read? A few ounces? A pound? A lot more than one pound?
What part of your mouth is your tongue touching? How hard is it pressing? When you open your mouth, do you experience popping and clicking?
Read moreEasy Self-Care for Smoky Weather
If you're anywhere in the west of the US right now, you're probably living under smokey skies. Depending on your sensitivity to smoke, you might be experiencing itchy eyes, congestion, sore throat, headaches, sore or heavy lungs, fatigue, or difficulty breathing. After a bad case of bronchitis in my mid-20s, I've had every one of these symptoms this week, so I speak from experience. Here are some easy things you can do to protect your lungs and ease congestion.
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