Do you struggle with your workspace? Does your back hurt at the end of your day? You may be suffering from poor workspace ergonomics. This article will give you some tips to make your workspace more comfortable.

1. Choose the right desk: Your desk should be large enough so that you don’t feel cramped, but still allow you to be able to reach everything you need at arm’s length. You don’t want to have to stretch to reach things because that will cause strain.

2. Chair: Your chair may be the single most important piece of your setup, when it comes to ergonomics. A good chair will have adjustable height and good lumbar support. Don’t skimp on this. Buy the best chair you can afford.

3. Desk and chair height: When sitting at your chair, your feet should completely touch the ground. If they don’t, you end up straining your back. Adjust the height accordingly, or if you’re short like me, get a footstool to put your feet on.

4. Your desk height in relation to your chair should be set so that your arms rest at just about a 90 degree angle when you’re typing. Reaching down for the keys causes neck and shoulder strain, and can cause big problems over time.

5. Keyboard: If you feel strain in your wrists from typing, invest in an ergonomic keyboard. The keys will be set at an angle that is more natural for typing. This type of keyboard will take some getting used to, but most people who buy one really like it.

6. Lighting: Set up your lighting so that it is bright, but not blinding. Face your desk away from windows to cut out the glare. Architect lamps provide targeted lights, desk lamps provide a softer glow. Depending on what work you do, especially if you work with color, you may prefer natural light. Try a few different things and see what works best.

7. Monitor Height: Your monitor should be about at arm’s length distance from your keyboard, and it should be positioned so that the top of the monitor is just about at eye level. This also reduces neck and eye strain. If your monitor sits too low, put it on a box or brick so that it’s at just the right height.

8. BONUS: Get a mousepad with a gel pad to rest your hand on. If you’re going to use it all day, you might as well be comfortable!

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be feeling much better, more comfortable, and more productive every day at your desk.

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