Sitting at a desk all day may seem cushy compared to manual labor jobs, but as health experts are understanding, working while sedentary carries a set of health risks all its own. Sitting for over six hours per day is associated with a higher risk of death from any cause, whether that’s heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, or even suicide. That’s bad news for office workers, who spend 40 or more hours per week sitting at a desk. But when quitting your job isn’t an option, what can you do to mitigate the harmful effects of sitting?
The Case for Standing Desks
As awareness of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle grows, the popularity of standing desks has skyrocketed. Standing while working allows office workers to combat the negative effects of sitting while keeping productivity high. Standing desks also mitigate poor posture at work, a problem that can lead to back, knee, and jaw pain, poor circulation, and fatigue.
However, while standing provides a break from sitting, spending all day on your feet comes with its own set of problems, such as an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and heart disease.
Convertible sit-stand desks are the ideal compromise between traditional desks and standing desks, but there’s just one problem: they’re expensive. Many of the leading sit-stand desks exceed $500 in price, and while 60 percent of employers subsidize the cost, that still leaves a lot of workers to pay for their own ergonomic workstation.
Budget-Friendly Solutions for an Ergonomic Workstation
You shouldn’t have to choose between your budget and your health. Luckily, you don’t have to. These affordable solutions let you create a healthier workspace at a price that works for you.
Standing Desk Converters
Standing desk converters are a great budget-friendly alternative to a sit-stand desk. These desktop solutions sit on top of your existing desk so you can easily switch from sitting to standing. Standing desk converters start below $100, and cost-conscious shoppers can find additional savings by shopping for office furniture deals to apply to their purchase.
Adjustable Office Chairs
You can’t stand all the time, and when you sit, you need something comfortable and supportive. It’s easy to spend a fortune on an ergonomic office chair, but you don’t need to if you know what to look for. The most important feature in an office chair is adjustability, including adjustable height, tilt, and lumbar support. AmazonBasics, for example, offers two highly rated adjustable chairs under $100.
Ergonomic Footrests
Even the most comfortable office chairs can be awkward for petite people. If you find your feet dangling at your desk, invest in an ergonomic footrest. With affordable options starting around $20, these simple tools won’t break the bank.
Zero-Cost Ways to Stay Healthy at a Desk Job
The right office furniture will help you stay healthy and comfortable, but there are also 100 percent free things you can do to prevent health problems while working at a desk job, such as:
If you work in an office, it’s always a smart idea to ask your employer if they’ll cover ergonomic upgrades for your workstation. However, if you’re self-employed or your boss won’t foot the bill, use our tips to craft an ergonomic workstation on a budget. Not only will you spend less on ergonomic office furniture, but you’ll also save big by avoiding health problems.