Ergonomics at the Office

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

As a writer, I spend a lot of time sitting. I should probably do the standing desk thing, but standing is too distracting. It makes me want to move. If I'm moving, I'm not writing.

Even though I sit all day, sitting can take a toll on the body if you don't practice good posture and ergonomics. I've learned this the hard way (even though I knew better). Here are some tips to help you sit pretty and remain pain-free as you work at your desk.

Graphic from MySpringDay.com.au

Office Ergonomics

1. Keep your ears aligned with your shoulders. Doing this will help you keep your spine straight. As you align your ears with your shoulders, remember to draw your shoulders back so they're not rounded.
   
   
2. Keep your feet flat. Crossing your legs un-aligns your hips, which can cause back problems. It also reduces circulation. Keep your feet flat on the floor and you knees bent at a 90-degree angle. To facilitate this, you may need an adjustable foot rest. Foot rests aren't just for short people. I'm 6-feet-tall and feel more comfortable when I prop up my feet.
   
   
3. Get some extra support. It may be difficult to find a chair that feels comfortable all the time. If you have pain in your lower back, you may benefit from using a lumbar support pillow. If the chair has a wide back, a soft decorative couch pillow may provide you with the support you need at a reduced cost.
   
   My main problem is tailbone pain. Yeah, sitting is literally a pain in the butt. I have a cheap office chair. On it, I use a dining chair pillow and an orthopedic coccyx (tailbone) pillow. My old was flat and on its last days when Okwu Comfort sent me its Coccyx Orthopedic Pressure Relief Seat Cushion. The pillow uses memory foam, which is shaped in a manner that keeps me off my tailbone as I sit. I think the pillow feels nice, but I still use the seat cushion under it. One thing I've notice since doing my video review is that the foam is really squishy. It seems to squish almost flat, but it still feels comfy.
   
   
4. Move. Get up and stretch. Shrug your shoulders up and down. Go for a quick walk, even if it's just up a flight of stairs. 

Click to enlarge; Image from Cleveland.com

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.