1. Improve Your Workday With Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of humans and their working conditions The goal of ergonomic research is to relieve physical injury and stress in the working environment. When tasks require that hands be held in awkward positions or used in repetitive motion, the tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels can be compromised. It's important to pay attention to how your working conditions affect your hands and to take steps to improve the situation.
2. Keep Carpal Tunnel at Bay
It takes only minutes to do ergonomic hand exercises, but when it comes to keeping your hands strong and flexible, those minutes are time very well spent. If you make ergonomic hand exercises a regular part of your working day, you'll find that your hands feel more comfortable and those aches in your fingers may disappear entirely. Ergonomic hand exercises are also a great way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. The exercises can even be done while your waiting on "hold" or standing at the copy machine.
3. Finger Stretches Are Easy
Place the fingers of your dominant hand on the palm of your other hand, and gently stretch the fingers back toward your wrist one at a time, and then all at once. Grasp your thumb with your opposite hand and pull it gently toward the wrist just enough to feel a gentle stretch. Repeat the sequence with your other hand. Then, put your palms together in front of your face with your fingers pointed up, as if you are praying, Keep your fingers and upper palms pressed together and lower your hands until you feel the stretch in your fingers. If you spend a lot of time with a mouse pad, this exercise is particularly helpful.
4. Don't Forget Your Wrists
Even a few seconds can do wonders for tired wrists. Simply stretch your fingers out in front of you and form a fist, repeating the motion several times. Then clasp your hand together with your right wrist up, then turn your hands until your left wrist is up, and repeat. Give your hands a gentle shake to relax tight muscles.
5. Have a Ball Increasing Strength and Circulation
Invest in a simple ergonomic ball to improve blood circulation, strengthen your hands and fingers and improve finger dexterity. As an added benefit, you'll feel your tension and stress melt away as you flex and release your grip on the ball. Squeeze the ball as tightly as you can, gripping and releasing ten times. Repeat the exercises with your index finger only, followed by your middle finger and ring finger. When you're done, give your hands a good shake and a quick massage and repeat the exercises with the other hand.
Member Comments