Reconnect with Nature and Each Other to Build an Empowered Community

When you’re feeling good, everything falls into place. When you aren’t feeling good, a brief reconnection with Nature can uplift you. It’s really amazing how green spaces (and blue ones) can get the endorphins going! The better you feel, the more inclined you are to spread the goodness as your positive energy flows into your inner circles and then out to the wider ones.

Nobody feels good all of the time, but at Nikken, we like to up the ante with our wearable support systems.

•           Kenko Jewelry is not only attractive, it also features small wearable magnets and tourmaline powder embedded into the designs, offering a unique accessory to complement your everyday sense of well-being and relaxation.

•           Kenko mSteps® and Kenko mStrides® not only support your feet, but they also offer a grounding and balanced feel with magnets embedded in the insoles. •           Kenko Support Wraps provide comfort where it matters—to your joints—to help you feel supported with reflective materials and negative ions that keep you cozy and warm. They’re an exceptional way to complement your daily routine and support comfortable movement throughout the day.

Feeling good is empowering and happiness is contagious in so many positive ways. When you share the joy, you are actually performing a service and helping to strengthen your relationships, whether they are with family members, friends or simply people you interact with in your communities. As your relationships grow, so do your communities, creating a network of mutual support. In other words, empowerment works both ways—give and you will receive—such is the beauty of reciprocal relationships.

John Donne has been quoted throughout the years for his pithy statement that “No man is an island.” Even the lone wolf seeks a mate or a new family once leaving the original pack. Humans can remain in their original families but can also develop a wider circle of “family” through nurturing self-created relationships. Sometimes these are like-minded individuals (such as the Nikken Wellness Community) and other times, simply a matter of chemistry. Regardless of how your relationships begin, staying engaged through shared activities and mutual problem-solving can create an enduring confidence and resilience that defies the limitations of a digital and isolating lifestyle.

As an empowerment exercise, you can ask yourself daily whether you are feeling good. Are you taking advantage of the wearable tools Nikken provides? If you are feeling good, are you sharing your grounded, balanced and connected-to-nature self with those around you? Remember, when you serve others, you benefit yourself, too, as gratitude often returns in multiple waves for just one small act of kindness.

Grounded in Every Step: Daily Balance with Magnetic Insoles

Nikken started more than 50 years ago with a single product: a magnetic insole. Over the years, Nikken continued producing the magnetic insoles, refining them along with newer technology. Today Nikken has a much-expanded product range, but the magnetic insoles remain as beloved flagship products.

Currently Nikken produces two specific types of magnetic insoles. One is the Kenko mStrides® and the other is the Kenko mSteps®. They function similarly, based on the same principles and designed to replicate the natural magnetic field of planet Earth.

• Patented DynaFlux® magnetic technology is biomimicry in action. This magnetic technology was inspired by nature, with a design that draws from the Earth’s natural magnetic field.

• The easiest way to differentiate between the two insoles is by their feel. The Kenko mSteps® feature massage nodes that provide the sensation of a foot massage. Ferrite magnets create raised surface points designed to bring the magnets closer to the foot, creating a more noticeable magnetic sensation. In contrast to the smoothness of the Kenko mStrides®, Kenko mSteps® are “bumpy,” due to the raised nodes.

• Embedded reflective microparticles and minerals are designed to create a warming sensation. Your own body heat and ambient temperature are natural sources for this gentle and soothing infrared energy.

• Both types of magnetic insoles feature tourmaline powder, which releases negative ions, similar to those found in natural habitats—once again, biomimicry at work.

• Because they are shock-absorbent, the magnetic insoles provide cushioning and support while walking, standing or even while sitting all day long. 

• Magnets are placed at multiple angles to help provide 100% magnetic coverage while a low-density and high-density polyethylene combination is designed for durability and long-lasting use. 

• Designed for comfort, the insoles help with ventilation and do not absorb moisture or odor.

You may have to cut the magnetic insoles in order to fit them perfectly in your shoes. When doing so, trim them carefully. Be sure to remove any sharp edges. The magnetic insoles are easy to clean with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. You can also choose to hand wash them in warm water, also with a mild detergent. Then simply air dry.

Kenko mSteps® and Kenko mStrides® are long-lasting but even better, they are designed to provide lasting comfort and support while you’re on your feet or seated, while helping you connect with the stability and balance found in nature. Over the years, Nikken has developed the “strength and balance test.” This exercise is used to demonstrate the experience of using magnetic insoles. You can choose either the mSteps or the mStrides to do the test: Simply insert a set of magnetic insoles into your shoes. Stand with your feet comfortably apart. Spread both arms out. Have someone try to push one of your arms down. Next, remove the insoles and take the same stance. Again, have someone try to push one of your arms down. The exercise provides an opportunity to compare how the stance feels with and without the magnetic insoles.

Nature Knows Best: Simple Ways to Support Daily Digestive Wellness

Foods that are in their natural state, or are minimally processed, are known as whole foods. They are generally recognized as foods that can support the balance and health of the gut microbiome, which is the “community of microscopic living organisms—including bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes”1that live in the gastrointestinal tract. Nature knows best, because whole foods provide digestion-friendly nutrients, including soluble and insoluble fiber, prebiotics, vitamins and minerals, all of which support digestive wellness.

Insoluble dietary fiber is found in foods such as whole grains and vegetables. Insoluble fiber promotes regularity while also supporting the movement of food through the digestive system. Its counterpart, soluble fiber, is found in foods like fruits, seeds and beans. Soluble fiber can support nutrient absorption and acts as fuel for the microorganisms in the gut microbiome and can support the health of the intestinal barrier. Some of the best foods for gut health include:2
• Yogurt and kefir: Contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can support a healthy gut microbiome and digestive wellness when consumed in adequate amounts.
• Fruits and vegetables: Apples, bananas, berries, broccoli and leafy greens provide fiber that helps keep digestion regular.
• Whole grains: Oats, brown rice, and whole wheat products are rich in fiber that supports a healthy gut microbiome.
• Beans and legumes: Lentils, chickpeas and beans are excellent sources of fiber and prebiotics. Prebiotics act as nourishment for the beneficial microorganisms in the gut as well as supporting mineral absorption, such as calcium and magnesium.
• Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and tempeh may support the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Fermentation can provide beneficial microorganisms.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide fiber and healthy fats that support digestive wellness.

Not sure if you’re eating enough of the right foods? Kenzen® Golden Gut Formula takes the guesswork away. It contains a patented, advanced pre- and probiotic blend to help replenish, rebalance and reinforce the gut. Some foods to avoid or limit in order to maintain gut health are:3
• Highly processed foods: Chips, fast food and packaged snacks are often low in fiber and may affect the balance of healthy gut bacteria.
• Sugary foods and drinks: Excess sugar may affect the growth of less beneficial gut microbes and may contribute to digestive discomfort.
• Fried and fatty foods: These can be hard to digest and may cause digestive discomfort.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can affect the digestive tract and the gut microbiome.
• Artificial anything: Some people experience digestive discomfort after consuming products containing ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, chemical additives and food coloring.

The importance of staying hydrated throughout the day cannot be overstated. Your body needs water for normal digestive function. Water helps dissolve food, activates digestive enzymes, and transports nutrients to cells. Adequate water is also essential for normal bodily functions, including digestion, and may support a healthy gut microbiome.4

Sleep and diet are linked: if you don’t get enough restful sleep and eat a diet full of nutritional gaps, you may be at a greater risk of challenges related to gut health. Maintaining a healthy weight can be part of an overall approach to supporting the gut microbiome, because body weight and digestive health can be influenced by a variety of factors. In other words, staying active is another key to digestive health: how much you move and how much you eat can support the body’s natural state of balance.

Gut health is not rocket science. In a nutshell, get enough sleep, stay hydrated and eat primarily whole foods that are gifts from nature. Nikken is here to support your overall well-being with an entire range of products that support restful sleep (Kenko Sleep), water filtration (PiMag® water) and nutritional supplementation (Kenzen® nutrition).

1 https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Microbiome
2, 3 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/your-digestive-system-5-ways-to-support-gut-health
4 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-to-improve-digestion

The Foundation of Vitality: Why Bioavailability Changes Everything

Decades of industrial farming have reduced the mineral content in fruits and vegetables. This translates to vegetables that aren’t as nutrient-dense as they used to be and fruits with fewer essential vitamins—which means your body’s nutritional needs might not be met through diet alone. In other words, there is a nutrient gap that needs to be addressed through targeted supplementation.

Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient the body actually absorbs versus what is unusable. Absorbability is an important factor to consider when evaluating nutritional supplements, because no matter how potent or effective an ingredient or formula might be, it would not be useful if the body cannot use it. Whether an ingredient is bioavailable is influenced by various factors, including its chemical and/or natural form, the delivery methods (advanced as in liposomal formulations or not advanced) and the presence of dietary fat. In other words, the combination of the ingredients, delivery methods and the condition of the recipient (heart, lungs, liver, brain, etc.) all matter when it comes to bioavailability.

Nutrition industry experts highlight synergistic ingredient combinations, enhanced bioavailability, and delivery innovations as demand increases for multilayered support for healthy aging. Featured ingredients score high in bioavailability, aligning with a growing emphasis on scientifically supported formulations that improve overall product performance.  Market insights data indicate a 9% growth in bioavailability claims in global supplement launches from September 2020 to October 2025.1

Silvia Pisoni, global operational marketing director at Gnosis, says, “Combining clinically validated nutrient forms with innovative delivery technologies is a winning strategy for effective vitality outcomes. For example, MenaQ7 Matrix is a patented delivery technology for the clinically validated vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), offering superior bioavailability and stability. This enhanced absorption and protection make the MenaQ7 Matrix an ideal choice for supporting cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall well-being.”2 (MenaQ7 is a patented ingredient in the Kenzen BDZ® bone health formulation.)

Kenzen Lactoferrin® 2.0 is an advanced formula designed to provide a superior delivery system that supports nutrient utilization and balance. Nikken enhanced this with a powerful blend of organic Inulin, Ginger and Turmeric, a combination designed to work synergistically to support digestive health and provide antioxidant effects as part of a healthy lifestule.

Golden Gut Formula is a more recent formula that also features an advanced delivery system. As the product name clearly states, this formula is designed to support gut health. Thanks to innovative three-layer encapsulation technology, the beneficial bacteria in the formula are protected from naturally-occurring stomach acid, so that they may reach your intestines. The effervescent powder dissolves quickly, making the nutrients readily available.

With Kenzen® E-On, an advanced liposomal delivery technology known as Double Nutri, is designed to support nutrient availability. The technology is designed to help deliver the special blend of botanicals that include ashwagandha and saffron, as well as N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine and L-theanine— commonly used in formulations focused on attention and mental clarity.

One of the first Nikken nutritional formulations is Kenzen Jade GreenZymes®. Barley grass is known to be rich in enzymes, but more importantly, Kenzen Jade GreenZymes® is formulated to support the bioavailability of its nutrients. How? The organic young barley grass is minimally processed with low heat and cold-pressed to help preserve the freshness of the active enzymes as well as the chlorophyll and other essential nutrients.

Sometimes the structure of an ingredient makes a difference. Pink Collagen Complex is made with hydrolyzed, small collagen peptides. These small-size peptides are designed for effective absorption and bioavailability.

Fill in your nutrient gaps with Kenzen Smart Nutrition!

1,2 https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/vitamins-bioavailability-healthy-aging-topgum-balchem-gnosis.html

Is it Time to Change Your Filters?

Why are air and water filters so important? Indoor air is polluted with chemical odors, dust and dander. And, even tap water may contain microscopic plastics, pathogens and a wide range of bacteria. Changing filters in a timely way is crucial to keeping your filtration systems functioning at optimal levels as well as prolonging their lifespans.

Inspired by Nature, the PiMag Waterfall® mimics the natural filtration processes found in waterfalls as they flow over streams and rocks. The PiMag Waterfall® filtration units perform effectively and have unusually long lifespans—which decreases your carbon footprint. However, to maintain their potential longevity, the filter replacements should be regularly changed according to specific schedules. We recommend replacing the filter for the PiMag Waterfall® about every 3 – 6 months or 900 liters/238 gallons, whichever comes first.

The mineral stones with copper ions are important components of the PiMag Waterfall®. They not only help produce balanced PiMag® water that is alkaline rather than acidic, they are also designed to help reduce unwanted microorganisms through the use of ionic copper particles. We recommend replacing mineral stones annually.

While most chlorine-reduction systems in shower filters merely trap chlorine or add other chemicals to counteract it, the PiMag MicroJet® uses a reduction/oxidation process to neutralize chlorine ions. The MicroJet injects air into the shower stream to increase the electronegative potential of the water for more effective filtration. Micro-bubbles are released through the nozzle to provide an exceptional cleansing action. We recommend replacing the hand-held shower filter every 3 months or 22,700 liters/6,600 gallons, whichever comes first. If you’re using a PiMag® MicroJet® wall mount showerhead, we recommend replacing the Filter Housing with Chrome Finish every 6 months or 45,400 liters/12,000 gallons, whichever comes first.

The KenkoAir Purifier® uses negative ion technology that replicates the fresh air quality found in natural surroundings such as forests and lakes. Like the PiMag Waterfall, the KenkoAir Purifier® is inspired by nature. To help maintain cleaner indoor air, the KenkoAir Purifier® exceeds the measured efficiency of capturing up to 99.95% of 0.3 microparticles in the air. There is a built-in filter life indicator which flashes when a change is needed. We also recommend changing the air filter every 6 months and cleaning the reusable prefilter on the same schedule.

Clean air and quality water are important for everyday wellness—all components of empowered living. You can help ensure consistent filtration of contaminants by adhering to a replacement schedule.

The Natural Water Cycle: Lessons from Nature

The natural water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth’s surface, powered primarily by evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.1 What is achieved by the natural water cycle is nothing short of miraculous : there is zero waste. Earth reuses the exact same amount of water with no new water added. This fixed amount of water constantly moves through the water cycle, so that even floods and droughts do not change the global water volume—water shifts between different global reservoirs like oceans, atmosphere, and land rather than being lost.2

Another phenomenal achievement of the water cycle is natural filtration. As water moves through soil and rock, it is cleaned and filtered for multiple ecosystems. The PiMag Waterfall® seeks to mimic nature’s natural filtration system: there is no need for electricity or plumbing, relying instead on magnetic technology and gravity. Copper ions and mineral stones are incorporated into the filtration process, helping to enhance the water while contributing to a balanced pH for refreshing hydration.

Here are the key stages of nature’s water cycle3 and how they work:

  • Evaporation: The sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, turning liquid water into gas (water vapor) that rises.
  • Transpiration: Plants release water vapor from their leaves into the air.
  • Condensation: Rising water vapor cools down and changes back into tiny liquid droplets, forming clouds.
  • Precipitation: Water falls from heavy clouds back to Earth as rain, snow, or hail.
  • Collection & Runoff: Water gathers in rivers, lakes, and oceans, or soaks into the ground to restart the loop.

The natural water cycle helps achieve the interconnected balance between the sky, land and the sea. Solar energy and gravity link them together to create natural synergy. The water cycle revolves around pools and fluxes. Pools are where and how water is stored and fluxes refer to the movement of the water between different pools.4

•          Water is stored in pools in the form of liquid water, ice, snow and water vapor, which means water lives in the atmosphere, at the surface and underground.

•          Salt water makes up 97.5 percent of Earth’s water, mostly in oceans, while freshwater makes up only 2.5 percent, primarily in lakes and rivers, but also in glaciers, and permanent snow. Water that is below ground is known as groundwater and accounts for about 30 percent of freshwater.5

•          Water moves between pools in various ways:6

            +Liquid water evaporates into water vapor, is transported through the atmosphere, condenses to form clouds, and returns to the surface as precipitation like rain or snow.

            +Water can flow across the land, down into the ground, then be taken up by plants, and back into the atmosphere.

            +Water can even return to the atmosphere from solid ice or snow, skipping the liquid phase.          

Humans disrupt the natural flow of water in many ways, such as changing where and how much water is stored through building dams, changing the path of rivers, and other actions. In a recently published paper, NASA scientists used nearly 20 years of observations to show that the global water cycle is shifting in unprecedented ways. The majority of those shifts are driven by activities such as agriculture and could have impacts on ecosystems and water management.7

Humans are learning to respect the water cycle and its natural reuse and conservation of water resources. In reality, learning to emulate aspects of the natural water cycle is crucial to adapting to water-related climate patterns, predicting flood, drought and changes to sea levels and glacial movements. Learning from nature, not only about the water cycle, is proving to be increasingly important to human societies and livelihoods.

1, 3, 5, 6 https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/freshwater/water-cycle

2 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/scientists-confirm-global-floods-and-droughts-worsened-by-climate-change

4 https://www.australianenvironmentaleducation.com.au/education-resources/the-natural-water-cycle/

7 https://www.nasa.gov/earth/nasa-scientists-find-new-human-caused-shifts-in-global-water-cycle/

Tackling Stress and Tension with Self-Care

Stress is your brain and body’s physical and psychological response to external demands or pressures, while tension is the accumulated physical or mental tightness and strain that results from that stress. Simply put, stress is the pressure you experience, and tension is how your body holds onto it.1

While stress is a reaction to a current external demand and anxiety is often characterized by worry about future threats, tension is best understood as the “accumulated residue” of ongoing stress and anxiety. It is a state of sustained mental and physical strain that builds up over time – often so gradually that a person may not notice it until it’s a daily discomfort or focus.2

Mental tension is defined as an intense state of strain resulting from a perceived inability to cope with demands – one that may activate and sustains the body’s stress response systems over time. Physically, it manifests as chronic muscle tightness (particularly in the shoulders, neck, and jaw), headaches, difficulty relaxing, and mental fatigue that may persist despite routine rest.3

Tension can result from the accumulated strain from months of demanding work – showing up as tight shoulders that cannot seem to loosen, mental exhaustion that sleep does not resolve, and difficulty switching off when not working. Managing tension often requires both physical and psychological release. 

Mentally, managing tension involves setting clear work-life boundaries, ensuring genuine recovery periods, and reducing the chronic load of demands from both daily living and constantly working. There are simple ways to help counter the instinctive fight-or-flight state that accompanies stress, anxiety and tension.

You can help ease tension with self-awareness and develop some easy daily habits:

• Progressive muscle relaxation is done by squeezing and releasing muscle groups.

• Mindful breathing involves inhaling deeply for four seconds and exhaling for six.

• Gentle stretching can help ease often-tight areas. Be mindful of how your body feels as you stretch. Try to do 10 minutes of stretching at a time and create a rhythmic energy flow.

• Practice self-massage, especially the base of the skull and neck where tension can build from how you sit and stand.4 Try the Kenko MagDuo® to “roll your way to relaxation.” It’s portable, so you can take it anywhere and use it on any part of the body you choose.

• Warm baths can help you unwind and relax the entire body.

• A splash of cold water on the face during work breaks can help you feel refreshed.

• Unplug from screens. Take dedicated breaks from news and social media to avoid constant stressors and information overload.5

• Create a sleep schedule and stick to it. Sleep and rise at the same times—your circadian rhythm plays an important role in your daily routine. Restful sleep at night helps create productive days.

• Spend time in nature. Even a brief walk can help clear your mind.

• Consciously set limits for yourself. In other words, give yourself space and permission to relax and replenish. Sometimes doing less is more beneficial than doing more.6

• Refuel before you feel very thirsty or hungry. Thirst and hunger can add to tension, stress and anxiety. Eating and drinking healthy foods and pure water can help you maintain your energy and overall sense of well-being.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. You can only help take care of others when you are in good shape yourself! It’s a critical part of empowered living.

1,2,3 https://psychology.town/industrial-organisational/stress-anxiety-tension-differences-workplace/

4,5 https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html

6 https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/health-safety-wellness/counseling/wellness/self-care-and-stress-reduction/de-stress

Smart Hydration: Why Does Your Brain Need Water?

Your brain is like the conductor of an orchestra. The conductor instructs which instruments to play just as the brain directs you in all your daily functions. That’s why keeping the brain healthy is an important part of overall well-being. When you think about hydration, you probably don’t single out the brain to focus on, but as one of the most active organs in your body, keeping it hydrated is essential to function optimally—even mild dehydration may be associated with changes in mental performance, focus, and how you feel throughout the day.

The human brain is composed of about 75% water, and it relies on consistent hydration to support normal physiological processes. Dehydration can impair your brain’s ability to function optimally, leading to possible issues such as decreased concentration and focus, slower cognitive performance, increased feelings of irritability, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and even short-term memory deficiencies. How often have you felt any of these annoyances and attributed it to thirst? Being aware helps you win half the battle!

Prolonged dehydration can sometimes have even more severe consequences, including decreased blood flow to the brain and an increased risk of stroke.The general recommendation is to drink about eight glasses of water a day, but individual needs vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and environment. A good rule of thumb is to drink enough water so that your urine is pale yellow.1

Here are some tips for smart hydration2:

  1. Start Your Day with Water: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up to replenish fluids lost overnight.
  2. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Keeping water within reach encourages you to sip throughout the day.
  3. Infuse Your Water: Add a splash of flavor with slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to make water more enjoyable. Adding Kenzen Jade GreenZymes® or Super Ciaga™ can also motivate you to drink more water.
  4. Eat Hydrating Foods: Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges are packed with water.
  5. Avoid Sugar: Sugary sports drinks or high-sugar sodas can lead to blood sugar spikes that can impair cognitive function.
  6. Set Reminders: Use an app or set alarms to remind yourself to hydrate regularly.

Staying hydrated helps keep your mind sharp and is an effective way to support your brain health and overall well-being.

1, 2 https://communityneuroservices.com/hydration-and-brain-health-why-drinking-water-matters-for-your-mind/

Do You Perform Total Body Movements?

Total body movements are exercises that engage multiple muscle groups and joints simultaneously in a single, fluid motion. Instead of isolating one muscle at a time, these “compound” movements mirror how the body naturally moves in real life, making them highly efficient for building strength, burning calories and improving overall coordination.

Examples of total body movements include squats, dead lifts, lunges, presses and rows.

Compound exercises like the squat-curl-press target different muscle groups to build endurance, increase strength, and improve stability. In fact, some research suggests that compound exercises that involve functional movement patterns are one of the most effective ways to improve muscular strength and help increase your metabolic rate.1 

There are multiple advantages to performing total body movements when exercising or training. For one, it saves time, because you are working more than an isolated area at once. Other benefits include the ability to increase core strength, muscle mass, coordination, overall fitness. When total body movements are done quickly, they help to enhance cardiovascular health, because the heart rate increases, similarly to activities such as running, biking and swimming at a brisk pace.2

There are three main ways to get the most out of total body movements.

1.         Be consistent. Train two to three times a week in order to allow your body time to recover.

2.         Pay attention to your form. By doing full body exercises with the proper form, you not only avoid injury, but you enhance the movements’ effectiveness.

3.         Increase the difficulty over time. This is known as “progression.” For example, increase the weight or intensity of your movements. This might be adding a hop when performing lunges or wearing hand or ankle weights. Make sure your progression is slow and steady to decrease the risk of burn out or injury.

To help support your body’s nutritional needs, incorporate Kenzen® nutrition into your daily routine!

1, 2 https://www.verywellfit.com/compound-exercises-for-the-entire-body-1231029#:~:text

Ergonomics and Energy

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