People who work with their brains don’t move very much. For them, a normal workday generally comprises a number of hours crouched in front of a monitor. In addition good nutrition often takes a back seat during a stressful work week. Fortunately, the wearable tech market offers some great products to keep bad habits from becoming big problems down the road.
Neck tension is a common complaint among those who sit at a computer all day. Mini handheld massagers can bring immediate relief before the tension gets worse. Oregon Scientific offers a decorative mini massage “egg” featuring a handy integrated clock. Osim offers a pen with massage function. Both nifty healers can be placed very unobtrusively on the worker’s desk. Osim also sells other massagers for headache sufferers, either in the form of eye massagers or a full massage helmet. That one’s not exactly unobtrusive, but surely very pleasant if you have a bad headache.
Pain in the neck and back is often the result of bad posture. A USB stick-size back sensor developed by students of the Technical University Darmstadt can now detect incorrect positioning of the spine. According to researchers, this is the most effective way to prevent further damage at a very early stage. The prototype features an integrated GPS module that can also determine in which locations the person does not sit well. – It can, for example,indicate that your favourite chair in the meeting room is probably not the best option for you. Because the device silently vibrates if your back is crooked, you can get the head’s up on your posture without pestering your colleagues.
A lack of movement during the day can also cause weight gain and can become a serious issue, especially if it is coupled with unhealthy eating. Here, once again, activity monitors can help to keep an overview of activity levels. Additionally, a contest with colleagues could help to motivate to more activity. This can be realised with the software that comes with some of the activity monitors. An unhealthy lifestyle can be tackled by one of the countless apps for smartphones such as calorie counters, diet advisors, nutrition log books and restaurant menu checkers.
Because human brains comprise 80 percent water, being sure to stay well-hydrated keeps concentration levels from sinking and reduces risk of headache. AH!QUA and TrinkUhr offer bracelets that remind you when it’s time for your next glass of water and also keep track of your daily water intake.
Taking regular, small breaks during your work day can help to keep stress levels low. Power-napping can recharge your batteries and boost your performance. getDigital has come out with a whimsical way for you to sneak a pillow into the office: The company’s “pillow tie” is a fashionable tie one moment, and inflates into a small pillow the next. So tired from your work day you’ve almost fallen asleep at the wheel? Try the new ear-fitted sensor from Takanoha. Whether in the car or sitting at the computer working on a late-night project, this device will sound an alarm when you nod off.
This year, for the first time ever, the Wearable Technologies Show will be part of the A+A, the world’s largest and most important specialist trade fair for all aspects of safety and security at work. Learn more about the past Wearable Technologies Show at A+A here.
