The Video Editor and his 'Golden Stool.'
Most conversations about video editing, audio production, AI filmmaking, animation, writing, graphic design etc. revolve around software and hardware concerns.
Less attention goes to the issue of "health and wellness” of creators.
But without sound health, creativity and productivity mean nothing.
So today, I want to explore this crucial subject. With particular reference to the video editor's chair - a work equipment, my friend from Ghana often refer to as "My Golden Stool."
Learning to edit
In my early days of learning video editing, I suffered severe elbow and wrist pain.
This had nothing to do with the application, or my slow progress in unravelling it's confusing features as a self-learner.
It was more about the 'table and seat arrangement'. at the office where I got a chance to acquire editing skills for free.
The computer sat on a high wooden desk, with a plastic chair for the editor.
However, thirty minutes of work on the system would leave anyone in pain.
It took an upward curve for my arms to reach the keyboard and a permanent tilt of the head to view the monitor.
Each session led to new discoveries.
But it also left me with painful elbows, a stiff neck, aches in my lower back and strain in my hips.
Crouching before the elevated system for hours each day soon became tiring.
“When the student is ready, a teacher will appear."
So said the Chinese sage. The idiom was at play for me, I could not complain.
However, a few months down the line, pain drove me to the hospital and my closed mouth opened.
Unfortunately, some of my colleagues at the office thought the company's limited resources should have gone towards buying another computer. Instead of “wasting it on a fancy swivel seat and editing desk for one person."
Editing is a mental and physical task
This mindset highlights the low importance many people attach to the health and wellness of video editors and other creators who spend long hours glued to their seats.
No one will deny that video editing is an intensive mental and physical task.
It requires long hours of sitting in front of a computer screen, often with repetitive hand movements.
Hence, a comfortable and ergonomic work setup is vital. Not only to boost productivity but also to prevent long-term health issues.
The Impact of Poor Seating on Your Health
Poor seating can lead to various health issues, including:
Back pain and spinal issues: Prolonged sitting, especially in an ill-suited chair, can cause back pain, neck strain, and even long-term spinal issues.
Chairs that lack proper lumbar support force the spine to maintain an unnatural curve, leading to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
Over time, this can result in severe problems such as herniated discs or chronic lower back pain.
Poor Posture: Sitting for long hours without appropriate support encourages slouching, which affects posture.
Poor posture leads to musculoskeletal problems and can cause headaches, difficulty in breathing, and reduced blood circulation.
Circulatory Problems: If a chair does not allow movement or provide adequate leg support, this can restrict blood flow in the body. Leading to conditions like varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Sitting for extended periods without the opportunity to stretch or move can exacerbate these issues.
Joint and muscle fatigue: Uncomfortable seating that lacks proper padding or adjustable features can lead to strain in the hips, knees, and lower back.
Continuous strain can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort, making it difficult to focus and work effectively.
The Impact of the Desk on Elbows and Hands
While the chair is critical, the desk is also crucial. A poorly designed desk can affect the positioning of the arms, hands, and wrists, leading to additional health problems:
Elbow Strain: Our elbows can hurt if a desk or table is too high or too low.
Such positioning can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or conditions like tennis elbow, which can be painful and may require extended rest periods to recover.
Wrist and hand problems: An improperly positioned desk can also affect the alignment of the wrists when using a mouse and keyboard.
This leads to carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects the nerves in the wrist and can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands.
Shoulder Tension: If the desk is not at the correct height, it can lead to tension in the shoulders and upper back, especially if the editor has to lift or adjust their arms repeatedly.
Choosing the Right Chair for Video Editors
To mitigate these risks, video editors need to choose a chair that offers the following features:
Ergonomic Design: Chairs with an ergonomic design provide adequate lumbar support, aligning with your back.
It reduces strain on the lower back and promotes good posture.
Adjustable Features: The capacity to adjust height, armrests, backrest, and seat depth is crucial for customizing the chair to the body type of the editor.
Adjustable armrests can help position the arms at a comfortable 90-degree angle, reducing strain on the elbows and wrists.
Comfortable Padding: Chairs with high-density foam padding or memory foam provide the necessary comfort for long hours of sitting.
They reduce pressure on the hips and thighs, allowing for better circulation.
Breathable Material: Chairs with breathable fabric or mesh backrests can help regulate temperature, making long hours of sitting more comfortable by preventing excessive sweating and discomfort.
Swivel and Mobility: A chair that swivels and has wheels allows the editor to move around without straining muscles or joints. The easy mobility is useful for accessing different parts of the editing suite or adjusting the monitor level.
Maintaining Health While Sitting for Long Hours
Beyond selecting the right chair, video editors can take several proactive steps to maintain their health and prevent long-term medical problems:
Regular Breaks and Movement: Taking short breaks every 30-60 minutes to stand, stretch, and walk around can help improve circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and prevent stiffness.
Stretching exercises focusing on the neck, shoulders, back, and legs can relieve tension and promote flexibility.
Proper Desk: The desk should be at a height where the editor can sit comfortably with their feet flat on the ground, knees at a 90-degree angle, and elbows at a 90-degree angle when typing.
Having it this way will minimize strain on the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Monitor Positioning: The monitor should be at eye level and at a comfortable distance to avoid straining the eyes and neck.
Holding it that way will prevent forward head posture, leading to neck and shoulder pain.
Use of ergonomic accessories: Investing in ergonomic accessories like a wrist rest, an ergonomic keyboard, and a vertical mouse can further reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
You can also use footrests if the chair height does not allow the feet to rest flat on the ground.
Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises: Regular physical exercise, particularly core strengthening and flexibility exercises, can help maintain good posture and reduce the risk of back pain.
Yoga and Pilates are particularly beneficial for building core strength and flexibility.
Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can also play a role in maintaining overall health and energy levels during long editing sessions.
Conclusion
Whether you are a freelance video editor working from your bedroom or a full-time employee in a facility, having a comfortable, ergonomically designed chair and desk is not just about comfort—it is for good health and productivity.
A good chair can prevent back pain, improve posture, and reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal problems, while a proper desk can minimize strain on the elbows, wrists, and shoulders.
By incorporating breaks, exercises, and ergonomic accessories into work activities, editors and other creators can maintain their health and well-being.
Work is important, but please do not compromise your health.
Your chair is your golden stool. Protect it. Thanks for reading.
PS
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