Nowadays, we spend a large chunk of our life sitting down. If you work an office job or even work from home, there's a large chance that the majority of your day involves sitting in front of your computer.
But while you may not feel it right away, sitting down for extended periods of time is not good for your body. This is why we highly recommend finding an ergonomic chair for your office. That way, you feel much more comfortable when working, and you protect your body from issues associated with long-term sitting.
That said, finding a good office chair isn't easy. So, we've compiled this quick guide with various tips and tricks for choosing the best office chair for your workspace. Keep reading, and by the end, you'll know exactly what features to look for in your new office chair.
Read on to learn more.
Why Do You Need a Good Office Chair?
To understand why you need a good office chair, try to look back and analyse how much of your day you spend sitting down. When you really think about it, you might be surprised at how much of your day you spend seated. And while we can't avoid jobs where we have to sit down for extended periods of time, the least we can do is make sure we're sitting down in an ergonomic and comfortable chair.
A good office chair can make a huge difference. Not only will it protect your body from long-term issues, but it will also allow you to feel more comfortable when you work. That way, it's much easier for you to stay productive.
So, not only will your body thank you for getting an ergonomic office chair, but a good chair can even help boost productivity!
Choosing the Perfect Chair for Your Needs
While most people understand the need for a good office chair, not many people are familiar with what makes a good working chair. So, in this section, let's look at a few key features that you need from a good office chair and how they can benefit your body.
Look for a Chair You Can Adjust
To start, it's important that you have an adjustable chair. The height of your chair matters a lot, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting down. That's why one of the primary requirements of a good office chair is adjustable height. If you're looking for the most comfortable experience, you need to adjust the office chair to your height.
Ideally, your hips should be higher than your knees when sitting down. This reduces the strain on your hip joints, which is why adjustable-height chairs are a must-have in the office.
Additionally, it would be helpful to get a chair with an adjustable backrest. When you can adjust the backrest, it's much easier to tweak the chair's position to your needs. That way, you can adjust the backrest for when you want to relax, then spring it back into position when it's time to work again.
Check for Lumbar Support
One of the things that low-quality office chairs lack is lumbar support. Sitting down puts a lot of pressure on your lower back, which is why it's crucial to find chairs that offer some sort of support for that area. If possible, try to sit down in the chair before buying it. That way, you can gauge the amount of support it offers your lower back and whether or not this is the right chair for you.
If your current office chair lacks lumbar support, you'll instantly feel the difference on an ergonomic chair. If the chair has good lumbar support, you have better posture when sitting down, which is great for your back in the long run.
Choose a Chair with an Armrest
If you spend a lot of time typing or moving your mouse, you put a lot of strain on your arms. This is why you might also want to consider finding an office chair with a good arm rest. That way, you aren't putting in that much effort when you're typing, allowing for a more comfortable experience.
Make Sure the Chair Has Enough Padding
Aside from support, a good chair also needs to offer good padding. That way, you don't put that much pressure on your joints when sitting down. On top of that, you might benefit from getting a chair with breathable padding so you don't feel hot, especially during the summer months.
Consider Mobility
You might want to consider getting an office chair that can swivel and move around freely. That way, it's easier to move to other tables and just give yourself space in the office. While it isn't required, getting a mobile office chair can do wonders for productivity and efficiency.
Make Sure the Chair Fits YOUR Needs
Lastly, make sure you understand that you're buying an office chair for your needs. So, consider how much you weigh, how tall you are, and what things you would want in your office chair. That way, the chair perfectly fits your needs and you feel much more comfortable in your own workspace.
Conclusion
Choosing the right office chair is hard, but for a good working experience, it's absolutely necessary. However, remember that everyone has different needs and preferences. So, it's important to find an office chair that you feel comfortable in and that can improve your workflow. And trust us - once you do, you'll find yourself working much more efficiently and comfortably!
