With more and more people nationwide working from home, the need for an ergonomic working environment rises every day. Sitting in front of the computer for 8+ hours is starting to take a toll on our bodies. It affects our muscles, bones, posture and mental health. But people found a way to relieve the pain, and it's called ergonomic furniture.
Stand-up Desk
Being stuck behind a desk for a long time can be devastating for our health. Being physically active during working hours can make a change. If you’re considering making a change, buying an adjustable stand desk to relieve back pain is a good way to start. There are several types of desks you can choose from.
erThe first one is the adjustable desk. It comes in an electric and manual version. It makes it easier to stand or sit because it’s simple to move up and down. You won’t have to move the computer or the documents on it. Some of them even have drawers for storage space and extras such as charging stations and USB ports.
Next are the fixed-standing desks. But keep in mind that if you use it, you should also have a suitable chair at a particular height that will let you switch positions and sit after a while. And the third alternative is to add a desk converter. You can combine them on any surface, and they have different features.
There are several things to consider before you go shopping. You first need to set a budget. These desks can vary in price depending on their material, size, features and type of movement. Setting a budget will make choosing much easier. Make sure the desk you choose will fit by taking accurate measurements, especially in a small room.
Keep in mind that the depth of your desktop is just as important as the width. Getting the right depth will give you optimal ergonomics for your elbows and wrists. Plus, you can place the monitor as far away as you need it. If you’re the only one that uses the desk, it’s better to buy a manually moving one. If other people use it, then you can get the electric option.
The desk should be stable and not move around. So anchoring it to the wall or the floor is a good idea. Keep an eye on the weight capacity as well. If you have a lot of boxes, files, and electronics on it, it should be able to hold them. This capacity may vary anywhere from 20-300kg.
Chair
The next thing to help you get the best home office is the ergonomic chair. If combined with an ergonomic standing desk you get the perfect combo. There are many options on the market and it’s not a one-fits-all type of chair. You'll need to try it out and see what works best for you and your body type. The main thing you need to consider is its adjustability.
Usually, their height varies between 40-55cm and if you’re not taller than 190cm this should be good. Your feet should lay flat on the floor and the knees should be at a 90 degrees angle. The second factor is width. For the best comfort, it should be between 45-50 cm, with 2.5 cm on either side of the hips.
The next element is depth. Your body should comfortably fit inside the chair, the backrest should support your back, and there should be at least three fingers' room between the chair's edge and your knees. The chair should have good lumbar support as well.
The last considerations are the backrest and armrest. The ideal backrest width is 30-50cm. The armrests should comfortably support your arm at a right angle. When you find the perfect chair for you, your productivity will increase, any pain and pressure will be relieved, and you’ll be happier when you get behind the desk.
Keyboard
The ergonomics of your home office will be significantly improved by a split keyboard. There is a left and right side containing all of the keys with letters and numerals. It works the same way as an ordinary keyboard, except for the numerals. Sometimes to activate them, you need to press a certain button.
Always try out the keyboard before buying it because not everyone is built the same. The reach distance and how often will you use it affect the shoulders a lot. Don't let your forearm muscles be in constant tension. This will make things worse and cause strain.
You can split and distance the keyboard as much as you like. You can create the most comfortable angle for you and type without straining the wrists. Positioning yourself in the most natural stance will benefit your body a lot.
Mouse
When you’re working in a home office, you spend a lot of time operating your computer mouse than your phone probably. That's why you need an ergonomic one to save you from wrist pain and discomfort. It's a good option to get a wireless one if you can. It will allow you to have different postures and positions. You can move it wherever you want without straining the shoulder.
The vertical mouse allows you to keep the hand in a neutral position by simply supporting it. You'll keep it in a handshake position instead of twisting it to the side. There's also an adjustable mouse that you can tilt until you get the perfect angle. Another option is the roller bar mouse. You place it in front of the keyboard and by rolling the bar you move the cursor.
Footrest
A footrest combined with a stand desk is the best way to keep your body in the right position. It keeps your neck, spine, back and legs at a perfect angle and you’re in a comfortable position. Your feet will be rested at the right height and your muscles will be relaxed. You'll get better blood flow and reduce numbness.
Footrests come in different sizes. If you have enough space under the desk, choose a bigger one for more mobility. If not, smaller ones still do a good job. It should be adjustable so you can position yourself at the right angle. If you want a sturdier surface, choose a footrest made of hard materials. If not, you can go with leather or cotton as the base.
