Ergonomics is crucial for physical comfort because it adapts work environments to human movement and capabilities. Thoughtful posture and positioning can help reduce strain from prolong sitting, repetitive tasks, or awkward movements, supporting more in ease in the back, neck, and wrists, and promoting overall comfort and blood flow. 

Have you ever been guided by a physical therapist? Small adjustments – like a little nudge here or a slight pull there – can help your body find a more natural stance. Posture that encourages neutral body alignment, typically involves shoulders back, feet flat, and hips slightly tucked. When seated at a computer or in front of a screen, neutral alignment positions the screen at eye level. Maintaining this alignment can help the body feel more comfortable and reduce the sensation of fatigue.

Supporting posture also contributes to mental well-being. When your body feels supported, stress levels can feel lower, which may help you feel more focused and energized. Proper alignment can even make breathing easier by allowing the lungs to expand fulling, while keeping the head and neck in a comfortable position to reduce tension from leaning forward.

In the world of ergonomics, there something called the 30-30-30 rule. This is a strategy that can help reduce strain. For the eyes, look at something 30 feet away for 30 seconds every 30 minutes. This strategy is designed to give your eyes a break. For the body, take 30-second micro-breaks every 30 minutes by standing and stretching to help support blood flow and the effects of prolonged sitting.¹

Although ergonomics is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment,” it’s not just about selecting the right desk or chair at the right height. It also includes choosing mattresses and pillows that support the body at rest, especially since a third of every day is spent asleep or trying to sleep! How well you sleep can affect how well you feel and how much energy you may have the next day. Ergonomics therefore plays an important role in helping to maintain comfort and energy levels throughout the day.

Nikken supports posture and rest with products designed for day and night. The KenkoSeat® II is designed to help promote good posture and conveniently fits on chairs as well as in cars. The Kenko Sleep Systems and the ergonomically designed Kenko Naturest® Makura pillow provide support during rest, helping you wake up feeling ready for the day ahead.

1 https://www.american.edu/finance/environmental-health/upload/ergonomics-checklist.pdf