More and more people have been working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re among these people, you might have an office space or dedicated office room whether you live in a studio apartment or a larger space. You also might need to make your apartment office more ergonomic and comfortable so you can work in a productive environment. Here’s how to do exactly that.
Choose the right chair
Choosing a comfortable chair is very important if you want to feel at ease and productive in your office, and finding a good chair will take some research. In stores and online marketplaces, you can find affordably priced chairs as well as far more expensive, high-end models. However, you don’t necessarily need an expensive chair as long as your chair has ample lower back support, thigh support, and arm support.
Use an external keyboard and mouse
When it comes to your apartment office’s computer setup, it’s best to use a desktop computer with an external keyboard and mouse so you can maintain good posture. That’s because, with a screen that’s too low (which laptop screens often are), you’ll be hunched down looking at your screen, thus leading to poor posture.
If you have a laptop, it could be a good idea to buy a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse to connect to your laptop. For a computer mouse, it’s good to choose a larger mouse that fits your hand comfortably. Some people buy gaming mice, even if they aren’t gamers, because they are usually comfortable and efficient.
Get wrist support for your mouse and keyboard
While you use your keyboard, your hands and wrists should be in a neutral position. It’s also good posture to have your arms and hands facing forward and laying flat on the table. Your wrists shouldn’t be bent, and your arms shouldn’t bend out or in either.
Keep your things eye level
Your head should be in a neutral position similar to your arms. Your monitor should also be at eye level. The top third of your computer screen should be in front of you. If your monitor is too low, you can rest your monitor atop a stack of books. The monitor should be approximately a foot and a half from your nose.
Desk converter
If you want to move around a lot, you can get a sit-stand desk converter that turns your computer desk into a standing desk. Desk converters help you burn more calories while reducing back and neck pain. Additionally, one study suggests that standing desks may boost productivity by 46 percent.
Sit-stand converters can boost productivity because you can toggle between standing and sitting depending on your tasks. Some tasks may be more conducive to sitting, and some may be better completed while standing. Using a sit-stand desk converter is also healthy for your blood flow, muscles, and bones.
Remember to stretch
Lastly, during work breaks, doing simple stretches such as a “rag doll fold” can be healthy. For this stretch, you’ll fold your upper body forward towards your feet. Stretches similar to this one can decompress your spine and mildly reverse the effects of working in an unergonomic space. Designating an area to stretch near your computer desk every hour or so can help you stay healthy while boosting productivity.
How will you be making your office space more ergonomic? Sound off in the comments!
