There are items that make our lives better.
My motto used to be, "Have laptop, will travel." I prided myself on being able to work anywhere, even on the floor of a crowded airport. I had an outlet for my office. I only brought along what I was willing to carry on my back because my work gear was designed for portable use.
The days of a good public internet signal were gone when the Pandemic hit. Without a commute or travel plans, my priorities shifted to comfort and stability. I created a workspace, invested in a chair, and started caring about ergonomics.
There is no going back now that I have adjusted to a completely maximized workspace. Like an outdoor cat that was brought inside, I have developed a taste for store-bought food, and there's no way I'm going out hunting for rodents again. I am more comfortable, have better posture, and am more focused because I am not hunched over my laptop like a wretched creature.
I was saved from becoming a desk gargoyle by these desk accessories. I am too comfortable to care if my former self judges me for becoming high-maintenance. What do gargoyles know?
The chair cushion is made of bone.
Sitting hunched over your laptop is not good for your posture. I decided it was time to take action when I suddenly became enamored with Gothic cathedrals. I am embarrassed to admit how much I love this butt pillow. So here we are, because it was either that or becoming a gargoyle.
The ComfiLife office chair cushion is $39.95
The first item on this list is a butt pillow. Credit: ComfiLife
There is a laptop stand.
The screen should be at eye level. I used a pile of books under my laptop to prop it up, but eventually I decided to invest in an actual laptop stand. This one takes up less space on my desk than a pile of books.
Rain Design iLevel2 is a laptop stand.
It's better than a stack of books.
The keyboard/mouse is comfortable.
An external keyboard and mouse is needed to achieve ergonomics, which means hands at a neutral angle on your desk and your elbow at or below the level of your hands. The ideal keyboards and mice are those that fit your hand/wrist movement. The split design and quiet keys have good reviews.
The ERgo K860 Wireless Keyboard is slightly more with a mouse.
The keyboard is compatible with both Windows and MacOS. Credit: Amazon
A keyboard and mouse rest.
All of this gear can cost a lot. A wrist rest is a great way to give relief and support to your wrists. You can use this to supplement your existing setup instead of buying a new keyboard and mouse. The keyboard and mouse combo has gel memory foam that makes it easier to hold the mouse in your hands.
The Gimars Mouse Pad and Keyboard Wrist Support are $19.98.
A cost-effective solution to long hours at the computer.
The desk lamp is smart.
Mood lighting is called for a reason. I am productive in my workspace because of the warm, bright light. The smart lamp is versatile and I love it. You can change the lighting using a phone. There is a setting that syncs with music and movies. The whole thing is portable and can be used for up to 18 hours. When your workday is over, you can set the mood for the rest of the day.
The portable Dimmable Led from the Philips Hue Go is $79.95.
A smart lamp can help you transition from office to home. Credit: Amazon
A hammock with a foot
I am interested in trying it out, but I don't have one yet. The foot hammock is perfect for those days when you want to put your feet up but don't want to recline. It feels like your feet are on a tropical beach if you use a plain old foot rest.
The Everlasting Comfort is a hammock.
Why don't you fully commit to the comfort of WFH? Credit: Everlasting Comfort
A really good candle.
A relaxing scent can lead to being more productive, because it creates a relaxing environment. In the depths of winter, a flickering candle creates a cozy "hygge" effect. One of my favorites is this one from Maison Louis Marie. It costs half the price of the high-end ones and has a light and lasting scent.
Maison Louis Marie Candle No.02 Le Long Fond is $36.00
It's a good idea to make your workspace smell like a fairytale. Credit: Maison Louis Marie.
