I used to spend countless hours working on the computer, and I did that for years. Then I started to feel very strong pain in my left hand and lower back. That pain didn't go away, even after a full year. Fortunately, that taught me a lesson to pay some attention to ergonomics and a few other things when it comes to computers.

Your computer setup can have a major impact on your health. To ensure that your computer setup is ergonomically-friendly, this article will give some tips and highlight the accessories, chairs, monitors, and even webcams that make studying, playing, and working a breeze.

Your computer setup is important, and there are a lot of factors to consider when building it. For this Level Up Your Computer Setup Series, First, we will share what's an ergonomic, what type of chair you need. Second, you'll have to pick the right desk. I recommend an adjustable height desk (or use a few crates and some legs), but others may prefer a standing desk. Third, your keyboard & mouse are vital components of your setup. You want them to be comfortable and accurate enough to where you don't have to adjust their position ever so often. Fourth, you'll want a reliable monitor with good colors. Fifth and lastly, headphones and a high-quality webcam. Allow me to share with you things to consider that may help you in building or leveling up your computer setup!

But first, what's ERGONOMICS? Ergonomics is a branch of science that includes human engineering and biotechnology. Examining how to arrange or design objects in a way that best facilitates simple, secure human interaction is a key component of this discipline.

A chair that has been ergonomically designed, for instance, takes into account factors like posture, comfort, support, and health to provide the best possible support for the human body.

CHAIR

If you've spent any time working at the computer, you know how important a good chair is. You might have even gone out and spent hundreds or even thousands on a new ergonomic office chair like I did (it was worth every penny). That fancy new chair should have been your first stop in establishing your computer setup.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A CHAIR

Seat depth and width. The seat should be wide and deep enough to comfortably support any user. The standard width is 17-20 inches. The ergonomic office chair's seat should be deep enough (from front to back) to allow the user to sit with their backs against the backrest and leave 2 to 4 inches or less between the back of their knees and the seat. The seat's forward or backward tilt should be adjustable.

Seating's height. Seat height adjustments for office chairs should be simple. The most convenient method is to use a pneumatic adjustment lever. Most people should be able to tolerate a seat height of 16 to 21 inches off the floor. This enables the user to stand with his or her feet flat on the floor, thighs horizontal, and arms at the same height as the desk.

Lumbar assistance. Lower back support is critical in an ergonomic chair. The lumbar spine naturally curves inward, and prolonged sitting without support for this curve often results in slouching, which strains the lower spine's structures and flattens the natural curve. Each user should be able to achieve the ideal fit for supporting the lower back's inward curve with the help of a lumbar adjustment in an ergonomic chair, which should have both height and depth adjustments.

Backrest. An ergonomic office chair's backrest should be 12 to 19 inches wide. It should be possible to adjust the backrest's height and angle if it is separate from the seat. With particular attention paid to adequate support of the lumbar region, it should be able to support the spine's natural curve.

If the seat and backrest of the office chair are one piece, the backrest should be movable in both the forward and back directions, with a locking mechanism to prevent it from moving too far backward after the user has chosen the proper angle.

Seating material. The padding on the seat and back of the office chair should be sufficient to allow you to sit comfortably for extended periods of time. It is preferable to have breathable cloth over a harder surface.

Armrests. Armrests on office chairs should be adjustable. The user's shoulders should be free to unwind and their arms should be able to rest comfortably. While typing, the elbows and lower arms should be lightly rested, and the forearm should not rest on the armrest.

Swivel. Any ergonomic or conventional chair should be simple to rotate so the user can reach various desk components without straining.

There are many types of chairs that you can buy for different purposes.

Kneeling Ergonomic Chair

The user of the kneeling chair is positioned in a slightly bent kneeling position while sitting in an office chair without a back. The design promotes good posture by moving the hips forward and aligning the back, shoulders, and neck.

You may check OXFIELD Ergonomic Wooden, Kneeling Chair that is adjustable kneeling stool for Home and Office. (Link: https://www.amazon.com/OXFIELD-Ergonomic-Adjustable-Comfortable-Smooth-Moving/dp/B09NPN7NHP/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3DEKWL1CBE6DM&keywords=kneeling+ergonomic+chair&qid=1659148196&sprefix=kneeling+ergonomic%2Caps%2C323&sr=8-7)

Saddle Ergonomic Chair

Another ergonomic chair that can be used as a desk chair or computer chair is the saddle chair.

This type of office chair is shaped like a horse's saddle and puts the user in a position between sitting and standing, similar to when riding a horse.

This enables the legs to naturally drop and widen, resulting in a healthy and stable posture.

You might want to check this out: Saddle Stool Chair with Back Support Footrest, Heavy-Duty(350LBS), Hydraulic Rolling Swivel Adjustable Stool Chair (Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LV4WY1F/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08LV4WY1F&pd_rd_w=1GIzw&content-id=amzn1.sym.3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_p=3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_r=V029YAC6W2JMSVSQTKN1&pd_rd_wg=kPHVD&pd_rd_r=3d9ad9ff-5837-4f47-a209-7407e85b19d6&s=kitchen&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMDgwRkVGUzBKNlQyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzExMzU3MUVRWjhGRFA3ME1aNSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzg5MTkxMVhQQkVERUNINlc0NiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)

Exercise Ball Ergonomic Chair

An additional, entirely different kind of ergonomic chair is the exercise ball chair.

It is a ball, as the name implies, that is large enough to support the user in any long-term sitting usage and appears to work well as a desk chair or computer chair.

The primary benefit of this type of chair is that it promotes movement and active sitting.

Check Enovi Fit+ Ball Chair, Yoga Ball Exercise Ball with Adjustable Resistance Bands and Ring Base (Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095YJWFG2?pd_rd_i=B095YJWFG2&pf_rd_p=0e085ce4-a814-4f4b-b24c-1b9dbfa919e0&pf_rd_r=YPWVDCSDH966P7KWKW6D&pd_rd_wg=vZp8h&pd_rd_w=ppP0N&pd_rd_r=e50b63c6-da2f-4342-9783-160a2db3aa90)

Recliner Chair

Some people prefer to sit in a reclined position because it is more comfortable for their backs.

People suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, for example, may feel most at ease in a reclined position with their feet propped up on a footrest.

Check this out! RESPAWN RSP-900 Racing Style, Reclining Gaming Chair (Link: https://www.amazon.com/RESPAWN-900-Racing-Gaming-Recliner-Reclining/dp/B07RFNH2TX/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1L9AWA7FZ4EDX&keywords=recliner+chair+for+work&qid=1659148561&sprefix=recliner+chair+for+wo%2Caps%2C333&sr=8-8)

In choosing a chair, remember to pick a super comfortable chair. While working, always sit up straight and keep arms at 90 degrees.

DESK

Choosing a desk for your computer setup is a big decision. It's not just about the physical space you'll have to work in, but also about the ergonomics and style of your workspace. If you're looking to level up your computer setup, here are some things to consider when choosing a desk:

-Will it fit in your space? Don't make the mistake of buying a desk that's too big or too small for your room. It should be proportional to the rest of your room and its overall design.

-What kind of chair will go with it? Some desks come with chairs included; others don't. You'll want to make sure the chair goes well with both the desk and the room itself.

-Is it sturdy enough? While many desks are made from high-quality materials, some aren't built with sturdiness in mind—and that can lead to problems down the road! Make sure any desk you buy is sturdy enough to hold all of your equipment safely without creaking or sagging under pressure from heavy monitors or other equipment.

-How much storage do you need? If you're planning on storing lots of files on top of your desk (or underneath), make sure there's enough space for storage drawers.

You may check these desks out! (Links: Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk - https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Height-Adjustable-Standing-Desk/dp/B0B1ZVSF4X/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=3D9ADBKADJLB8&keywords=ergonomic+desk&qid=1659148862&sprefix=ergonomic+desk%2Caps%2C299&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTjNSR0gxMEpTMjZBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTE0MDc3OU9PSlNXMEdNQjlWJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNTk1NTBOSzlCNko3UDhIMVQmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl | MONOMI Electric Standing Desk: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H264DP3?pd_rd_i=B09H264DP3&pf_rd_p=0e085ce4-a814-4f4b-b24c-1b9dbfa919e0&pf_rd_r=12JXP7TXVR4EA2M37FAM&pd_rd_wg=fzkkz&pd_rd_w=vSVTc&pd_rd_r=a17dfccf-0ce7-430b-aa7b-607611ffdd09 | Standing Desk Stand Up: https://www.amazon.com/Desk-Adjustable-Converter-Workstation-Ergonomic/dp/B074NZGJWZ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3D9ADBKADJLB8&keywords=ergonomic+desk&qid=1659148862&sprefix=ergonomic+desk%2Caps%2C299&sr=8-7 | FEZIBO Dual Motor L Shaped Electric Standing Desk: https://www.amazon.com/FEZIBO-L-Shaped-Electric-Standing-Adjustable/dp/B08B4MFLZ9/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3D9ADBKADJLB8&keywords=ergonomic+desk&qid=1659148862&sprefix=ergonomic+desk%2Caps%2C299&sr=8-8)

KEYBOARD

If you spend a lot of time typing, it's important to have a good keyboard. If you keep your wrists bent for long periods of time, it can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, and that's no fun at all.

If you want to type away for hours on end, you should know that your keyboard is one of the most important pieces of equipment that matters. It doesn't matter how much money you spend on a computer; if your keyboard isn't ergonomic, it could be causing serious damage to your hands and wrists.

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to ergonomic keyboards. You can get an ergonomic keyboard like a Kinesis keyboard that will allow you to type without bending your wrists or fingers into awkward positions.

Check out these keyboards!

Keychron K3 Ultra-Slim 75% Layout Wireless Wired Mechanical Keyboard (Link: https://www.amazon.com/Keychron-Ultra-Slim-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B08LYL2N4S/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zUU3t&content-id=amzn1.sym.e9ad1553-f790-489d-bc10-f67df22b3099&pf_rd_p=e9ad1553-f790-489d-bc10-f67df22b3099&pf_rd_r=5K0P8V2CN5CJXZYEN42R&pd_rd_wg=Qx2CO&pd_rd_r=e28fe223-38d3-4fd5-83a9-3f590603c514&ref_=pd_gw_bmx_gp_f4s3kovn&th=1)

KINESIS GAMING Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Keyboard (MX Brown) (link: https://www.amazon.com/KINESIS-Gaming-Freestyle-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B07SW1S3YZ/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=kinesis+keyboard&qid=1659149118&sr=8-4)

Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard (KB600) (Link: https://www.amazon.com/Kinesis-Advantage2-Ergonomic-Keyboard-KB600/dp/B01KR1C5PY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=kinesis+keyboard&qid=1659149118&sr=8-3)

MOUSE

If you have trouble using traditional mice, consider getting an ergonomic mouse instead. A good, ergonomic mouse will make a huge difference in how comfortable and efficient it feels to use your computer. You want something that's comfortable for long periods of time, has buttons in places that are easy to reach and can help reduce strain on your hands and wrists. These are designed to provide maximum comfort for your hands and wrists by keeping them at a natural angle as you click and scroll.

If you're using a laptop and don't have room for a separate keyboard and mouse, consider getting a wireless set that attaches directly to the screen instead of having to be connected by wires all the time.

Check these ergonomic mice that may suit your computer setup!

TECKNET 6-Button USB Wired Mouse with Side Buttons: https://www.amazon.com/TECKNET-6-Button-Ergonomic-Chromebook-Notebook-Grey/dp/B01BC4TXXC/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1A5RQ9KBSG64E&keywords=ergonomic+wired+mouse&qid=1659149382&smid=A32ZXSC69MZ8DX&sprefix=ergonomic+wiredmouse%2Caps%2C313&sr=8-4

Perixx Perimice-513 Wired Vertical USB Mouse: https://www.amazon.com/Perixx-Perimice-513-Vertical-Ergonomic-Optical/dp/B00GZIA2AE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1A5RQ9KBSG64E&keywords=ergonomic+wired+mouse&qid=1659149382&sprefix=ergonomic+wiredmouse%2Caps%2C313&sr=8-3

TECKNET 6-Button USB Wired Mouse: https://www.amazon.com/TECKNET-6-Button-Ergonomic-Chromebook-Notebook-Grey/dp/B01BC4TXXC/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1A5RQ9KBSG64E&keywords=ergonomic+wired+mouse&qid=1659149382&smid=A32ZXSC69MZ8DX&sprefix=ergonomic+wiredmouse%2Caps%2C313&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=A32ZXSC69MZ8DX&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQk04NVNTWVlSOEswJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTMxNjY4MkJPMlFCT1lMSDI5WiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjY5MzcyQTNRWkxUM1haV1JSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Wireless Mouse, TECKNET Pro 2.4G Ergonomic Wireless Optical Mouse: https://www.amazon.com/TeckNet-Ergonomic-Wireless-Chromebook-Adjustment/dp/B015NBTMMC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1O11LF2U6K7WQ&keywords=ergonomic+wireless+mouse&qid=1659149370&sprefix=ergonomicwireless+mouse%2Caps%2C280&sr=8-3

These may seem overwhelming, but take your time in choosing which one is important. For the next part, we will be talking about the monitor, headphones, webcam, and other accessories that can help you level up your computer setup! Let us know your thoughts in the comments.