1. Sitting at the wrong height
Sitting too low at a desk is bad for you. It makes your neck and shoulders hurt because you have to reach up or lean forward too much. Adopting this posture can cause serious neck problems over time. Also, being too close to your computer screen can make your eyes tired and give you headaches. When you’re uncomfortable, you can’t focus well, and you get tired faster, which means you won’t work as well. This constant discomfort can also make you feel stressed and unhappy, and no one wants that.
2. Sitting at a desk with a thick top
Sitting at a desk with a thick top is not good for you. Here’s why: it forces your arms to be in a raised, uncomfortable position, which can make your shoulders and neck hurt after a while. This happens because the thick desk doesn’t let your arms rest in a natural, relaxed way, as you often have to sit too low to make it comfortable for your legs. When you’re not comfortable, you can’t concentrate, and your work suffers.
3. Sitting on a four legged chair rather than an office chair
Four-legged chairs often lack the support and flexibility that office chairs offer. They don’t have features like adjustable height, armrests, or back support, which are crucial for comfort and proper posture. Without these, you might end up slouching, straining your neck, or hurting your back, especially if you sit for long periods. Also, four-legged chairs are stationary, while office chairs usually have wheels, allowing you to move easily without awkward stretching or twisting that can cause injury.
4. Sitting on a chair with fixed armrests
Sitting on a chair with fixed armrests can be bad for your health. These armrests don’t adjust, so they might not be right for your body. When armrests are too high or low, they cause you to sit in weird positions to feel comfortable. This can lead to sore shoulders or a painful neck. Also, if you’re trying to get close to your desk, fixed armrests might stop you, making you reach forward or perch on the edge of your chair and that’s bad for your back and arms. That’s why chairs with adjustable armrests are a smarter choice—they can change to fit your body.
5. Not moving enough
Lastly the biggest workstation horror – not moving enough. When you sit for hours without a break, your body experiences negative changes. Your muscles get weak, especially in your legs and glutes, which can lead to imbalance and discomfort. Long periods of sitting also slow blood circulation, leading to swelling in your legs and feet, and even the risk of developing blood clots. It’s not just about physical health; staying in one spot can make you feel tired, less focused, and less productive. It can even impact your mood, making you feel anxious or down. Plus, over time, not moving can increase your risk of serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. So, it’s important to take regular breaks to stand, stretch, or walk around to keep your body healthy and your mind sharp.
Jo Blood has been working in the ergonomic office furniture industry for the last 20 years. An expert in helping people set up their workstations correctly, she has appeared on the BBC as a sitting expert, and been featured in many publications over the years, including The Telegraph, The Guardian and the Daily Mail. She also provides advice to many trade publications.
