When you head to the office every day, you have all the tools and equipment you need to work comfortably all day long. Your employer likely went to the trouble to create a great office setup that helps keep repetitive injuries and aches and pains from becoming a problem in the first place. However, if you’re working from home, it’s up to you to mimic your normal office setup. So, what can you do to create an ergonomic home office without breaking the bank? Here are a few tips from your trusted Wyoming physical therapy experts.

Invest in a Portable Keyboard and Mouse

When you’re working from home, the best thing you can spend your money on is an external keyboard and mouse. The keyboard and trackpad that come built into your laptop put your wrists in awkward positions anytime you type. This makes it difficult to type quickly without putting strain on your wrists and increasing your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. By investing in an external keyboard and mouse setup, you’ll be able to type more naturally and can even use a cushion or wrist rest to reduce pressure on your hands. 

Lift Your Laptop

You already know that working on the couch with your computer in your lap isn’t the best option. It puts strain on your neck and encourages you to slip into bad posture all day. Instead, move to a table and lift your laptop up so the screen is level with your eyes. If you have the money to spare, you can always buy a dedicated laptop stand to help. However, if you’re working with a tight budget, all you need is a shoebox. Set the shoebox on the surface of the table or desk and rest your laptop on top. This may not get the position perfect, but it will help alleviate some of your neck strain throughout the day. Even better, it’s free. 

Use Lumbar Support When You’re Sitting

Most modern office chairs have built-in lumbar support that you can adjust as needed to keep your back in the ideal position throughout the day. If you’re like most people working from home, you probably don’t have a dedicated office chair that you can use in your office. You might even be stuck with a folding chair or dining room chair. If this is the case, you don’t have to forego the lumbar support you need. Instead, grab a small throw pillow and place it between your back and the back of the chair. It might take a few different pillows before you find the right amount of support but be patient. Once you find it, you’ll be able to work in comfort without paying hundreds of dollars for a new chair.

Working From Home Is Doable

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to work with discomfort. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to an ergonomic office setup that won’t break the bank. If you need a little help correcting repetitive use issues, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.