New year, new you? Let’s not forget: a healthy and happy you starts with a healthy workspace! Let’s face it, most of us spend a ridiculous amount of time hunched over desks. Here’s the thing: that can wreak havoc on your body. But fear not, fellow desk warriors! We have some health office upgrades to transform your cubicle or home office into a comfort zone fit for a productivity champion (and future you who won’t curse your bad posture).

I received samples in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
1. Level Up Your Desk:
Standing desks are all the rage for a reason. If you’re not a fan, or it’s too costly, consider a height-adjustable desk to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This can help blood flow and posture, as well as your concentration and energy. But even with a regular desk, ensure your monitors are at eye level and your keyboard and mouse are positioned for neutral wrist posture. Think flat forearms, not bent wrists!

2. Embrace the Power of Plants (and Light):
No, we’re not suggesting you turn your office into a jungle (unless that’s your thing, no judgment here). However, a few strategically placed plants can boost air quality and reduce eye strain. Plants are also linked to stress reduction, increased creativity, and totally make a boring office more attractive.

And don’t underestimate the power of natural light! Open those blinds and soak up those mood-boosting rays. Natural light helps produce vitamin D, which makes us happier. It’s softer on the eyes, which helps with eye strain and fatigue and has been linked to increased productivity. So Open those blinds if you can, and soak up that natural sunlight.

3. Move It, Move It!
Sitting for long periods is a recipe for aches and pains. Take frequent micro-breaks to stretch, walk around the office, or even just do some desk yoga! Set a timer to remind yourself to get moving every hour (bonus points if you grab a co-worker and turn it into a social break!). Movement at work is beneficial for your physical and mental health. Being physical can improve productivity levels and the ability to focus on tasks.

To help me get moving more, I got the C2 WalkingPad Foldable Mini Treadmill for my home office. It sits folded up next to my desk. It takes about 30 seconds to unfold it and switch it on. I challenge myself that when I have an online meeting to attend, where I will be mostly listening in, I unfold it and spend the meeting getting some steps in. We all have those meetings, so why not use them to be productive with our health?
The C2 WalkingPad from Make Life Easy really does make prioritizing your health easy. It’s small enough to fit under your desk if you are coordinated enough to walk and type at the same time. It also folds in half and is still small enough to store under a bed or couch when not in use. Come rain or shine, you can walk anytime, helping to keep you on track with your new year’s fitness goals.

4. Ergonomics for the Eyes:
Eyestrain is a real bummer. Reduce it by adjusting your computer’s brightness and contrast settings. Consider using an app that automatically adjusts them based on the time of day. Don’t forget the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s a simple hack that can make a big difference.
5. Declutter Your Desk!
A cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind (and a breeding ground for dust bunnies). Organize your workspace so you only have the essentials at hand. Not only will it make things easier to find, but it can also reduce stress and improve focus. (Maybe someone besides me can tell my husband and get him on board with this). I also found these little plastic drawers on Amazon that stick under your desk. I can fit all my pens and sticky notes in them to help keep my desk clear.

6. Chair Up (the Right Way):
That cheap office chair might be “familiar,” but trust me, it’s probably doing your back a disservice. Look for a chair with adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests that cradle your elbows (think happy handshake position, not awkward T-Rex arms). For my office, I have the Air Smart Chair C2 from Backrobo. This chair has it all. It’s so loaded with ergonomic smart technology you’ll wonder how you ever sat a whole workday in that old chair.

The Backrobo Air Smart Chair C2 is equipped with automatic adaptive lumbar support to relieve your back aches and pains. It also has a Lumbar heating, and timed massage feature to help aid relaxation. To top it off, it has a sedentary management app to help with active sitting habits.

I love that everything seems adjustable. The arms, seat, and back go up, down, forward, and back. You can put your height and weight into the app to get more customized adjustments. The ability to manage your work habits with data analytics from your chair can help you prioritize your health goals for the upcoming new year.

Let’s be honest, an ergonomic office might not be the flashiest New Year’s resolution, but trust us, your body will thank you! Remember, a little effort now can make a big difference in your long-term health and productivity. Now go forth and conquer that to-do list, pain-free!