So, I was chatting with Michael the other day, and the conversation drifted, as it often does these days, to the joys and pitfalls of working from home. He’d been complaining about a nagging backache and a persistent crick in his neck. ‘Honestly,’ he groaned, ‘I feel like I’m 80! And I’m pretty sure it’s this makeshift desk setup.’ That got me thinking about all those articles I’ve been reading about ergonomics at home – setting up your workspace to actually support your body, not sabotage it. I’ve been delving into ways to turn our living spaces into personal wellness hubs.
‘Have you thought about your monitor height?’ I asked him. He looked blank. ‘Is it eye level?’ Turns out, it wasn’t even close. He was hunching down to look at the screen, which explained the neck issues. My suggestion? A classic DIY fix: books! Seriously. Find some sturdy textbooks or even old hardbacks you don’t need. Stack them under your monitor until the top of the screen is roughly at eye level when you’re sitting up straight. It’s a ridiculously cheap and effective monitor stand. You can even get fancy and cover them with decorative paper if you want a more polished look. Think of it as budget-friendly ergonomics with a dash of literary flair.
Next up: lumbar support. Michael admitted his chair was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t designed for eight-hour workdays. ‘Think rolled-up towel,’ I suggested. ‘Seriously, try it.’ A small, tightly rolled towel or even a small cushion placed in the small of your back can make a huge difference in supporting your spine and preventing slouching. Experiment with the size and placement until you find what feels best for you. It’s all about filling that gap between your lower back and the chair. You can also buy lumbar support cushions, but the towel trick is a great, free starting point. This can be used in conjunction with postural adjustments, such as ensuring your feet are flat on the floor or supported by a footrest, further improving your posture and comfort.
Then we talked about desk organisation. Clutter can actually contribute to discomfort. A messy desk leads to reaching and stretching, which puts strain on your body. ‘Think repurposing,’ I told him. ‘Old jars for pens, shoeboxes for files… get creative!’ He’d recently bought some new stationary but couldn’t decide where to store it. I advised using old coffee jars to seperate things like pens and pencils, giving them a second life instead of purchasing something new. Old kitchen equipment like pots could also be used to store larger items. A clear, organised space encourages better posture and reduces unnecessary movement. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste and give those forgotten items a new role.
Beyond the immediate workspace, we touched on the bigger picture of incorporating wellness into the home. Michael has a small conservatory, a sort of orangery style, attached to his kitchen. ‘Imagine doing yoga in there,’ I said, picturing the natural light flooding in. ‘Roll out a mat, open the windows… Instant relaxation zone!’ Orangeries, with their abundance of natural light and connection to the outdoors, can be fantastic spaces for activities like yoga, meditation, or even just a quiet coffee break. It brings a sense of calm and natural beauty into your daily routine. Even without an orangery, creating a dedicated space for relaxation – even just a corner of a room – can be hugely beneficial. A comfortable chair, soft lighting, and perhaps some plants can transform a space into a sanctuary.
And for those working from home with family, especially with children? Well, then, the challenge grows more. Consider activities you can do together, like an exercise video you all follow, to keep the kids happy whilst taking time to focus on your personal well being. Try to have a clear space and timings of when you can focus on your work with no distractions. Communicate these to other members of the house and try and maintain them
So, there you have it: a few simple, budget-friendly ways to create a more comfortable and ergonomic home workspace. It’s about being resourceful, thinking creatively, and making small adjustments that can have a big impact on your physical well-being. Start with your monitor height, bolster your lumbar support, declutter your desk, and find a relaxing space in your home to unwind. These can assist in creating a healthier, more efficient work environment, reducing strain and promoting overall wellness. It’s not about transforming your home into a state-of-the-art office overnight; it’s about making gradual changes that make a tangible difference to your daily life.
