Ergonomics in the kitchen
If you are a stay-at-home parent, a domestic god(dess) or even just a plain home body, home is where you spend most of your day. The spaces we occupy shape us over time, quite literally. While the professional world has realized the importance of ergonomics, homes are yet to catch up. Especially if you are someone who enjoys cooking a lot, it is important that you pay attention to the ergonomics of your kitchen. You are going to be standing there for long periods of time, working with your hands, chopping, kneading and washing. If your kitchen isn’t aligned to your physique, this can build up into strain and pain in the neck and shoulders, poor posture or a bad back. Have you noticed that installation of countertops, for example, rarely involve a conversation about the height of the user? Especially if you are quite petite, high countertops can create strain in your calves and shoulders, because you are often on your tippy toes, or are hunching your shoulders. Use a step-stool if you need to stand in one spot for a while, like at the stove or the island. Similarly, cabinets and shelves should take into account your height.