Healthier Happier People- "Sit Happens!"

I can't tell you how many times I broke the "microbreak" rule below!  Disgusting~  and some of these extended "SITS" occurred while I was working on ergonomic solution proposals!!!   Hello?  Bruce?  Ever hear of "practice what you preach?"

Only in the last few years have I discovered the repetitive stress syndrome entering my life.

I vow to take positive steps to reduce the self imposed STRESS of sitting for long periods of time.

In fact, I am standing as I enter this blog posting.  

Avoiding Repetitive Stress

While sitting you are at rest; so where's the stress? Stress comes from the muscles in your neck and torso, constantly holding you erect. The pressure on your seat, legs, and back where the chair is supporting your weight causes stress.


The first solution for avoiding repetitive stress is to take a 'microbreak', sixty seconds of mild stretching and flexing every twenty minutes.  In fact, I hereby deem it a RULE to take a "microbreak" no LONGER than every thirty minutes!!   [I can ease into twenty minutes microbreaks after learning the new habit!!]

The next best solution is a chair that provides relief from static postures and the pressures associated with sitting.


A truly 'ergonomic' chair allows adjustment of every surface. These adjustments should include: seat angle, seat height, back angle, back height, seat depth and arm adjustment. There is an ergonomic adage that the best position is the next one. Adjustments should be easy to make, while sitting.Being able to fine tune your posture throughout the day is another way to break up the repetitive stress associated with sitting.


To alleviate the pressure points on the legs, seat, and back, the chair should have supportive foam cushion and flexible upholstery.The amount of contour in the seat pan, which distributes your weight over a greater area, reduces the pressure on any given point. This is of special importance for people with sciatica or similar afflictions for whom it is painful to sit for prolonged periods.


Another potential stress point is the front edge of the seat pan.The seat pan should support the seat and legs as much as possible. The front edge should not pressure the underside of the legs or pinch the back of the knee.A good chair should have a waterfall front edge, and provide depth adjustment to fit different leg and seat sizes.

Be sure to be on the lookout for some wonderful chair options!!