Science shows us repeatedly that doing anything for an extended period of time isn’t great for our health. Sitting at our desks is no exception.
It seems pretty low impact, but the reality is that sitting in a fixed position with your attention everywhere but your joints and muscles is terrible for your health. This can cause everything from a slipped disk to lower back pain.
If being in front of your computer for extended periods of time is unavoidable in your line of work, it’s time to consider getting some ergonomic office gear to prevent long-term pain and injury.
Sitting/Standing Desks
One of the latest crazes in ergonomic office innovations, the standing desk concept is one that makes a lot of sense. But guess what? Standing in one place for a long period of time isn’t great for you either, so enter the convertible sitting/standing desks.
These wacky contraptions actually make a lot of sense from a scientific perspective, allowing you to adjust your position as often as you like, without completely rearranging your desk every time.
Made in sizes that can even accommodate multiple monitors, these desks raise and lower with the adjustment of a dial or lever typically, making it effortless for you to make the transition.
Standing Desk Floor Mat
Standing at your desk for prolonged periods of time — spoiler alert — isn’t much better for you than sitting. All of that pressure on your feet pressing into an artificial floor can cause shin splints, lower back pain, and a less than productive day.
An anti-fatigue mat like this one is pretty critical to making the setup work, so don’t skimp. They even make non-flat standing desk mats like this one from TerraMat, designed to give your feet something to work on if they get sick of being flat.
A Great Office Chair
What you sit on most comfortably in your office is going to depend primarily on what your comfort zone is. Generally speaking though, if you want support and cushion, you need it everywhere. Otherwise, a firm seating surface that forces you to engage your muscles is ideal for preventing lower back fatigue.
Chairs like this one from Fully are firm, yet supportive, and designed to yield to however you sit most comfortably. It’s gorgeous, and you can hang all over it in any way that you like.
Exercise ball chairs are another popular one, but keep in mind these require constant muscle engagement to use. If you’re just starting with one, you might need to introduce it to your office space incrementally as your muscles adjust — the last thing you want to do is slump on an exercise ball.
Super professional looking balance ball chairs like this one from Gaiam are great for a conservative office setting, but come on — don’t pretend you’re not swooning for a fur-covered one from PBTeen.
Ergonomic Keyboards
If you’re prone to wrist pain and carpal tunnel, it’s worth looking into some ergonomic keyboard options. Typing is a workout for your fingers, and all of that strain can put excess tension on your wrists.
The Human Solution has a TON of ergonomic keyboard options, including some models that actually split in half, allowing you to adjust the positioning and angle of your wrists according to your preferences.
Armrest Mouse Pad
If using a mouse on your desk has always felt a little off for you, there’s a gadget for that. This armrest mouse pad was made for people who find themselves hunching over their desk too much to use their mouse.
Foot Hammock
No ergonomic office roundup would be complete without at least one gadget that makes you raise your eyebrows. People of the internet, meet the foot hammock — the quirkiest ergonomic office tool you don’t even KNOW how much you’re going to love.
Elevating your feet is great for your lower back, and this adjustable under-desk foot hammock makes it possible to do without a stack of books or a cardboard box. Just hang it and adjust it to your preference (leaning chairs required).
What do you consider a must-have to work comfortably in your office? Tell us in the comments below!
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