If you are looking to get your New Year off to a good start, keep these ergonomic tips in mind. Whether you have daily stress, a repetitive injury or are just looking to attain some goals, theses tips will help you live a healthier life.

• Resolution 1: Exercise. Exercise 30-60 minutes, three times a week. It is simple and very effective, and you will thank yourself for making the resolution. The healthier you are, the more productive you will be. Also by partaking in exercise, you decrease the risk of developing repetitive stress injuries.

• Resolution 2: Stretch. Stretching is one of the simplest things you can do to help keep your body in check, and you will be less susceptible by straining your muscles when performing exercise, or just simply bending over to pick an item off the floor. Stretching increases blood flow and reduces muscle tightness. Stretch at least 3 times a day, holding the stress for approximately 30 seconds.

• Resolution 3. Drink Water. Drink approximately 6-8 glasses of water a day. Water hydrates your muscles, tendons and ligaments and helps to reduce muscle fatigue and cramping. Proper hydration is often overlooked and it can be a factor in injury and fatigue.

• Resolution 4: Evaluate Your Workspace for Ergonomic Improvements. Review how you work and what tasks you perform. Review if there are ways to improve your workstation set-up, or call a Virtual Ergonomist to go over your issues. Use sound ergonomic principles to adjust the task (e.g. computer/reviewing documents) or tools (e.g. keyboard/mouse) to make the workstation more comfortable and convenient.
  

  Are your fingers cramping? Try using an ergonomic keyboard.

• Resolution 5: Evaluate Your Tools. Consider an ergonomic product or device to help with your tasks. Ergonomic tools come in many forms. An ergonomic keyboard, contoured mouse or phone headset may be ideal solutions, for an example, to help with your work tasks.

• Resolution 6: Maximize Your Rest Time. If you do not get a full night of sleep, it will effect your work day. Lack of sleep has dramatic effects on your physical capabilities and your mental acuity and judgment.

• Resolution 7: Reduce Stress. Ergonomics involves the reduction of stress. Typically it focuses on reducing repetitive stress while performing a given task, however external stress (physical and mental) can have a serious impact on your health. Therefore, you should try and reduce your stress as much as possible.

• Resolution 8: Check in with your Doctor. Getting a physical medical exam should be a priority. It’s recommended every year or two, since it keeps you aware of any problems that may be developing. It allows you to treat the onset of physical issues quickly, such as early ergonomic intervention to help prevent repetitive injuries.

• Resolution 9: Keep a Journal. Keeping a journal to identify ergonomic changes and progress is a great idea to track your development and improvements over time. Keeping track of your symptoms will help identify ergonomic solutions.

• Resolution 10: Treat Yourself. Reward yourself for sticking to your resolutions. A healthier life is rewarding enough, but a dinner or spa treatment at the end of the month or quarter makes it that much more satisfying!