Computer posture can be a complex topic. I try to explain it in the easiest, most actionable way possible. But the advice, “Sit up straight,” isn’t going to get the job done. To get any real results, we’ll need to get more technical to improve computer posture.
This article will explain how the technology and office furniture we use plays an important role in computer ergonomics. These tools can help us decrease computer-related pain, improve posture, and increase work productivity.
This article is not professional medical advice. It’s based off my personal experience and opinions. For years, my poor computer posture caused muscle tension, inflammation, and chronic pain. Bad posture also decreased my mental clarity, energy level, and work productivity.
All the desk worker health tips I write about are directly related to improving posture at a computer. We are our own primary caretakers. Do your research. Make good decisions. And be the best advocate possible for your own healthcare.
What do I need to buy for an ergonomic workstation?
Height-adjustable desk
Sitting isn’t the only enemy destroying our posture. Working in the same position for long periods of time can cause repetitive strain and overuse injuries. This can cause computer-related pain even if we have good posture.
That’s why I switch from sitting to standing multiple times a day. Having a height-adjustable desk makes it quick and convenient for me to switch from sitting to standing. It also makes good computer posture easy to maintain, regardless of what position I’m working in.
If you’ve never used a computer in a standing posture before, check out my article titled How To Get Used To A Standing Desk.
Flat, low-profile keyboard and mouse
I used to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. It wasn’t caused by typing. It was caused by holding my wrists in an extended position for long periods of time. I extended my wrists to lift my hands up onto the tall, bulky keyboard and mouse I was using.
When I switched to a flat, low-profile keyboard and mouse, it allowed me to relax my wrists and keep them straight. Also, my carpal tunnel wrist pain went away within a few days after switching to a flat keyboard and mouse.
I avoid using a laptop keyboard and mouse as much as possible. This would also cause me to lift my hands up, holding my wrists in an extended position for long periods of time. Instead, I use a flat, external keyboard and mouse.
To learn more, check out my article titled Tools to Reduce Wrist Pain from Computer Use.
External monitor
A height-adjustable desk is probably the most important tool in my computer ergonomics process. But an external monitor is in a close second place. Especially, because I work on a laptop.
Laptops monitor screens are too small. This can easily cause eye strain. They are also too low. This causes us to tilt our head downward to see our screen. Holding this position for long periods of time caused painful neck strain for me.
Finally, an external monitor increases my work productivity. Because it’s large enough for me to work with 2 windows open at the same time. I cannot do this with my small laptop monitor screen.
Comfortable office chair
I don’t have a specific chair to recommend. All of our bodies are different. Different height, torso size, leg length, arm length. All of these variables are important to consider.
When shopping for a desk chair, my main goal is to find one that is comfortable for me. To learn more about what I look for, check out my article titled How to Sit Comfortably in an Office Chair.
Anti-fatigue mat (for standing posture)
I got an anti-fatigue mat in 2023. I was suffering from chronic knee pain at the time. Also, I could relieve it temporarily, but it would always come back.
That was because I was standing on a very hard floor when at my desk. I would work in this position for hours at a time.
As soon as I got an anti-fatigure mat, my knee pain went away and stayed away. I ordered it from Amazon. It was very inexpensive.
It’s pretty eye-opening how a simple equipment purchase can make such an improvement in my computer posture and ergonomics.
Now that you know what you need to buy for an ergonomic workstation, make sure to adjust your desk, chair, and monitor to the correct heights.
To learn what these heights are, download your free eBook titled 3 Ways to Improve Computer Posture Immediately!
If you’ve already read my eBook, take your computer ergonomics to the next level with the extended version. It’s titled 45 Ways to Improve Computer Posture.
It’s available in eBook (PDF) for $10.
Or you can order the paperback at Amazon for $19.
THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN COMPUTER POSTURE.
If you’ve read this far, congratulations! You’re taking valuable steps to reduce computer-related injuries by improving your posture. That’s something to be very proud of!
If you liked this article on what to buy for an ergonomic workstation, check out my free ebook titled 3 Ways to Improve Computer Posture Immediately!
>>> Click here to download your free copy
This ebook is a great supplement to the article you just read. In this ebook, you’ll learn 3 of the most painful, poor computer posture mistakes. Then, you’ll learn how to fix those mistakes immediately with 3 simple changes to your ergonomic computer desk setup.
Go to SittingPosture.com/ebook to learn more.
Take care,
Todd Bowen
