7 ergonomic gadgets to make your work-from-home office a lot more comfortable

Feeling the burn while working from home? Your home office shouldn’t be causing you pain, and these ergonomic pieces can help to relieve the tension

Heads, shoulders, knees and toes may be something the kids are singing around the house, but these days, it feels more like a running list of hurting body parts since you’ve started working from home. We’ve already explained why staying in bed to answer emails, or working in PJ’s isn’t the best idea, but even if you’re doing everything right by sitting at a desk, working from home can still put a strain on your body.

Anything from a sore neck and shoulders to painful legs and feet can come as a result of working from home. In an office, your desk is designed to be as easy on your body as possible, in order to get the most out of your working day. Your home space, however, is designed for relaxation — which is great sometimes, but not so much for an 8 hour work day.

There are some handy buys that can combat the physical effects of your WFH office. Ergonomic gadgets, designed to make your workspace as comfortable as possible, are well worth the investment if you’re going to be working from home for the foreseeable.

All of the below can be bought on Amazon, but there are plenty of other options available across the web to search for. And as always, if you’re experiencing severe pain, make sure to consult your doctor before making any major changes to your routine.

Posture support

Modetro Sports Posture Corrector Spinal Support, £16.99 from Amazon

If you’ve been hunching over a laptop for the past 8 weeks, and have been feeling pain in your upper back, this back brace will right your slumped posture and have you feeling better in no time. You may find it a little uncomfortable at first, as your body gets used to sitting straight and upright again, but the benefits are absolutely worth it.

Coccyx support

Cushion for Lower Back Pain and Sciatica Tailbone Pain Relief, £23.99 from Amazon

If you’ve been sitting on hard kitchen chairs all day, and have pain or tenderness around your tailbone, think about investing in a cushion to support your coccyx. This memory foam option also aids those suffering with sciatica and lower back pain, as it provides support along the natural curve of your spine.

Alignment support

Solace Kneeling Chair, £84.99 from Amazon

If you’ve been suffering with back pain due to your alignment sitting on a kitchen chair all day, a kneeling chair could be the answer. While it may not look the comfiest, a kneeling chair provides support to your spine by easing your hips forward and distributing your weight evenly across your body. It takes the strain off your legs and lower back and using it can really help to straighten out your posture.

Neck support

Klearlook Foldable Portable 6-Height Adjustable Laptop Riser, £22.99 from Amazon

Raising your screen up to eye level is one of the best ways to combat neck and shoulder pain while working from home. Just laying your laptop on a pile of books is a good start, but this adjustable riser will also eliminate any strain on your arms or wrists by angling the keyboard towards them.

Foot support

Guiffly Sponge Ergonomic Foot Rest Cushion, £22.99 from Amazon

It’s best to keep your feet flat on the ground while sitting at a desk, and avoid crossing your legs or propping them up. But if you’re feeling pain in your feet or ankles, a good solution is a foot rest cushion like the one above. The curved surface follows the contours of your feet, and if you fancy a little movement, just flip it over and rock the cushion under your feet.

Wrist support

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, £41.99 from Amazon

If you have the option to work using a desktop computer rather than a laptop, an ergonomic keyboard is great for supporting your wrists and hands. It encourages natural wrist and arm movement, and provides support for your wrists.

Lumbar support

Medipaq® The Original Half Moon’ Memory Foam Cushion Pillow, £12.89 from Amazon

Lower back pain is something that shows up again and again in those working from home, but it has a simple solution. Using a lumbar pillow, like the crescent-shaped one above, can help to support your lower back and align your spine to a more comfortable position. This particular pillow is really versatile, and can also be used for support while sleeping or driving.