Life

These 20 Clever Products Make Sitting At A Desk More Comfortable

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I've had back problems for as long as I can remember. So much so that I had to visit countless chiropractors over the years, and have tried tons of things to improve my posture. Slouching at my desk is often the culprit behind my back aches, but simply not slouching is easier said than done! While sitting down all day can be painful and uncomfortable, it's often unavoidable. So, recently I've been focusing on finding ways to make sitting at a desk more comfortable.

Many of us spend 40 hours a week at our desks, and even more time on our computers at home. Aside from posture issues, our work environments can contribute to other surprising ailments as well. Spending so much time on the computer and on my phone has actually caused me to develop carpal tunnel, which makes typing hurt from time to time. My eyes are also super sensitive, and staring at bright screens only makes them worse, so I've started wearing glasses that block blue light to protect them.

If you're also experiencing discomfort from sitting at your desk, making small additions to your workspace — like standing desks, the right chair, or even a laptop stand — can help make your desk feel like a place you want to be.

by Taylor Fuller

1. Don't Spend The Whole Day Sitting Down

Standing Desk X-Elite Pro, $250, Amazon

If you work in an office where they haven't upgraded the desks to convert to a standing version when you want, you need to look into this product. This adjustable standing desk instantly transforms your workspace into a standing one. It goes up and down in seconds, and is the perfect addition to your workstation. And, if you work at home, you can easily move this back and forth between different surfaces.

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2. Prevent Lower Back Pain With Proper Support

King Comfort Lumbar Support Pillow, $28, Amazon

I have one of these and, while it took some getting used to, it really does help. The great thing about this completely portable lumbar support pillow is that it has a strap that can attach to your office chair for optimal use. It's also made out of a pliable memory foam that conforms to the shape of your back for added comfort.

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3. Stop Staring Down At Your Laptop

Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand, $42, Amazon

You can end up straining your neck by continuously looking down at your laptop. When you use a laptop stand, you bring your computer to eye level, which will make your neck more comfortable at the end of the day. The great thing about this one is that it is made out of aluminum so your computer won't overheat.

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4. Bring Your Monitor To Eye Level

Kensington Spin2 Monitor Stand, $38, Amazon

Your monitor needs to be at the correct height for you. It's different for everyone, so what works for you, probably won't work for a coworker. This adjustable monitor stand is great because it has several settings, and the guide will help you find which one is best for you. This stand also eliminates clutter because it has a spinning carousel for all of your supplies that you may need on hand.

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5. Use A Headset If You're Constantly On The Phone

Plantronics Wireless Headset, $107, Amazon

I worked in a call center for a few months and I was always on the phone. A wireless headset makes your day easier because it eliminates a step when it comes to answering the phone. The absence of wires means you can stand up and walk around and without having to take it off.

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6. Avoid Wrist-Strain With An Ergonomic Mouse

Inkach Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse, $10, Amazon

Using a wireless ergonomic mouse helps relieve some of the strain that a trackpad can cause. When you're using a mouse, you actually want your hand and wrist to be in a neutral position, so there's no pressure on your nerves. The mouse lets you rest your hand comfortably because of the vertical design.

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7. Eliminate Glare Caused By Blue Light

SPEKTRUM Premium Computer Glasses, $40, Amazon

I wear glasses that block the blue light from computer screens. It helps so much since I'm constantly staring at a screen (sometimes for 12 hours a day). These blue light blocking glasses are non prescription, and they reduce eye strain, dry eyes, and relieve stress caused by squinting. You can use them while you're on your computer, tablet, phone, or while watching TV.

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8. Take Advantage Of The Time You Spend Sitting

Gaiam Balance Ball Chairs, $73, Amazon

This balance ball chair is a great place to sit during the day while you work. It helps you to build a healthier back, align your spine, relieve pain, and work your core during the time you spend sitting. Plus, it comes with a booklet of desktop exercises to try throughout the day. It's available in nine different colors, and you can remove the ball for actual exercising.

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9. Give Yourself An Excuse To Get Up

Bubba Capri Tumbler, $13, Amazon

The worst thing you can do at work, is just sit all day. When I was still working in an office, I would bring a tumbler with me to work and I would drink so much water just so I had to get up to go refill the bottle in the kitchen (now I have dance breaks since I work from home). Bringing a refillable bottle is a great way to force yourself to get up and walk around throughout the day. Plus, you'll stay hydrated.

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10. Brighten Up Your Desk So There's No Need To Strain

Natural Full Spectrum Daylight Desk Lamp, $34, Amazon

If you sit in a dark office or cubicle, and you don't really have a ton of natural light surrounding you, think about purchasing a daylight desk lamp. The lamp has a natural light spectrum output, so you'll really notice the difference. One user said, "This lamp has done wonders in keeping me awake during the day in my super dark, gloomy, windowless office...My productivity has skyrocketed."

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11. When Your Feet Just Don't Touch The Floor

Kensington SoleSaver Adjustable Footrest, $19-55, Amazon

I'm super short, so my feet rarely touch the ground under a desk, which is something that becomes increasingly more uncomfortable as the day progresses. In order to maintain good posture, your feet should be on the ground, and an adjustable footrest can help create the optimal seating area.

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12. Add Some Personality With A Planter

Kikkerland Concrete Desktop Planter, $30, Amazon

Adding something green to your workspace will help make it your own. This concrete desktop planter doubles as a pen holder. You can use it to show off your favorite succulents and cacti. It will add some personality to your workspace. One user said, "The planter is perfect! I was able to fit so many little succulents in the large pen holder. I can't wait to display it at work."

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13. Relieve Pressure With A Supportive Seat Cushion

Aylio Coccyx Seat Cushion, $40, Amazon

If you suffer from sciatica or you just need some extra back support, start using a seat cushion when you sit. Lets face it, you're sitting for at least seven or eight hours a day, so you want to be comfortable. This cushion alleviates spine pressure because of the U-shaped design of the pillow. The contoured cushion cradles your butt and thighs to evenly distribute weight, causing your spine to align properly.

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14. Get A Massage While You Work

Gideon Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow, $40, Amazon

Chronic back pain is awful. This massage pillow comes with a strap that connects to the back of your chair so you can use it while you work. The pillow heats up and uses kneading to get rid of knots, ease tension, and relieve pain.

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15. Keep Everything You Need Nearby

SONGMICS Bamboo Monitor Stand Riser With Storage Organizer, $29, Amazon

Instead of having to dig through a bunch of drawers, keep everything you use on a daily basis within arms reach. This bamboo monitor stand will raise your computer, and keep your desk organized. It has sections for your phone, pens, post-it notes, and even your mug. One user said, "Great product. Very high quality for a good price...The little carve-outs are convenient for those who have pens and post-its scattered all over and want to stay a bit more organized."

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16. Stand Comfortably Without Feeling Tired

Butterfly Ergonomic Non-Flat Anti Fatigue Standing Desk Mat, $60, Amazon

If you like to stand up while you work, your legs and feet probably get tired and start to ache from standing in one spot. That's why this foam mat designed for standing desks is a great addition to your workspace. The butterfly shape encourages you to move around while the massage points activate blood flow in your feet. One user said, "As your feet move across the surface, there are humps, angles and bumps that just stimulate and relax your feet."

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17. Rest Your Wrists With A Gel Keyboard Pillow

Kensington Duo Gel Keyboard Wrist Rest, $15, Amazon

Gel wrist rests are great for prevent wrist-strain. This one is molded to the natural curve of your wrist so it will not only be comfortable, but it will also provide support for you. It has even got a ventilation system, which helps keeps your wrists cooler (which makes a huge difference when you have issues with them). The gel rest comes in red and blue.

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18. Change The Way You Spend Your Day Sitting

SLEEKFORM Ergonomic Kneeling Chair, $117, Amazon

It may seem weird, kneeling at your desk, but it can actually help with posture tremendously. This ergonomic kneeling chair is designed to distribute your weight more evenly. One buyer said, "I was a bit skeptical at first about this chair, but I have had back issues for most of my life...I have no issues with sitting for long periods of time with the Sleekform."

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19. Keep Documents You Need For Reference At Eye Level

Easel Document Holder, $10, Amazon

Having to look up and down at a document you need for reference or you need to copy can be a pain. To prevent unnecessary neck pain, use an easel document holder to keep your papers at eye level. This one holds multiple sheets of paper and has a highlighting line guide.

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20. Keep Your Mind Clear

Blue Sky 2017 Monthly Desk Pad Calendar, $9, Amazon

I don't know about you, but I don't feel great when I don't know what's going on, or if I'm feeling overwhelmed. That's why I think that a desk calendar is a great addition to your workspace. It helps you stay organized and you'll always know what's either due that day, or if you have a meeting or something to prepare for.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

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