1. Sit in an active sitting chair if one is available. Increasingly, research reveals that sitting for long periods of time in an office setting comes with severe health concerns, including back and shoulder strain, as well as increased risk of heart disease.[4] For this reason, active sitting methods are more popular than ever, and might be a good option for you.

  • Active sitting devices include things like standing desks, treadmill desks, kneeling chairs, and other ergonomic alternatives that force your body to hold itself upright, rather than providing it a resting place.
  • Passive sitting chairs, even ergonomic ones, can have a tendency to force your spine into uncomfortable upright positions.
2. Position your keyboard correctly. Adjust the keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed, your elbows are in a slightly open position, just out from your body, and your wrists and hands are straight.

  • Use the keyboard tray mechanism, or keyboard feet, to adjust the tilt so that the keyboard is comfortable. If you sit in a forward or upright position, try tilting your keyboard away from you, but if you are slightly reclined, then a slight forward tilt will help to maintain a straight wrist position.
  • Ergonomic keyboards are bent in the middle, to allow a more natural wrist alignment, letting your type with your thumbs pointing toward the ceiling, rather than lining your palms up with the floor. Consider investing in one if you struggle with wrist pain.