Category: Tools

Why this matters

Neck and shoulder tension is one of the most common signs that your screen isn’t in the right place. When your monitor sits too low, too far away, or off to one side, your body quietly compensates — leaning forward, tilting your head, or lifting your shoulders without realising it. Over time, this creates strain, fatigue, and a sense of heaviness in your upper body.

Small adjustments to your screen height and position can make a big difference to how supported you feel throughout the day.

Two simple ways to lift and position your screen

1. Monitor arms

Monitor arms give you flexible, adjustable support for one or more screens. They’re ideal if you want to fine‑tune your setup or free up desk space.

Benefits:

• Easily adjust height, distance, and angle
• Keep your screen centred in front of you
• Free up space underneath for notebooks or accessories
• Great for dual‑screen setups

Best for:
People who want a clean, adaptable workspace with more control over positioning.

2. Desk risers

Desk risers (or monitor stands) are a simple, affordable way to lift your screen to a more comfortable height. They’re quick to set up and work well for both monitors and laptops.

Benefits:

• No installation
• Lifts your screen to eye level
• Helps reduce hunching and forward‑leaning
• Adds a small amount of storage space underneath

Best for:
People who want a quick, low‑effort improvement to screen height

How to position your screen for comfort

Use these gentle cues to support your neck and shoulders:

• The top of your screen should sit roughly at eye level
• Your screen should be an arm’s length away
• Keep your screen directly in front of you, not off to the side
• Tilt the screen slightly upward so your neck stays neutral
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your body

These small adjustments help your upper body stay supported without effort

A gentle reminder

You don’t need a full office overhaul to feel better at your desk. Raising your screen — even by a few centimetres — can ease tension, support your posture, and help your neck and shoulders relax throughout the day.

Small changes add up.

A home office doesn’t need to be big, expensive, or perfectly styled. What matters most is that it supports your comfort, focus, and wellbeing. Whether you have a dedicated room or a corner of a shared space, small changes can make a big difference to how you feel throughout the day

1. Choose the Right Space

Your workspace doesn’t need to be large, but it should feel intentional.

• Pick a spot with as few distractions as possible
• Use natural boundaries (a wall, corner, or window) to define the area
• If space is tight, consider a fold‑down desk or compact workstation
• Think about noise levels and privacy if you take calls or video meetings

Even a small, well‑chosen space can feel like a dedicated work zone.

2. Set Up a Comfortable Desk Area

Your desk is the anchor of your home office.

• Choose a surface with enough room for your essentials
• Position your desk so you’re not facing direct glare from windows
• Keep daily‑use items within easy reach
• Use simple cable management to reduce visual clutter

A clear, organised desk helps create a calm mental space.

3. Support Your Posture with the Right Chair

Comfort is non‑negotiable when you’re working from home.

• Choose a chair with good back support
• Adjust the height so your feet rest flat on the floor
• Keep your knees at a 90‑degree angle
• Add a cushion or lumbar support if needed

Small adjustments can prevent strain and improve comfort throughout the day.

4. Light Your Workspace Well

Good lighting reduces eye strain and helps you stay focused.

• Use natural light where possible, but avoid direct glare
• Add a task lamp for focused work
• Choose warm‑white bulbs for a calm, comfortable atmosphere
• Position lights to the side of your screen to reduce reflections

Lighting is one of the simplest ways to improve your workspace.

5. Get Your Tech Essentials Right

A few well‑chosen tools can make home working smoother.

• Raise your monitor so the top is at eye level
• Use an external keyboard and mouse for better posture
• Consider a headset for calls
• Check your Wi‑Fi strength and use a booster if needed

Good tech reduces friction and keeps you focused on your work.

6. Keep Your Space Organised

A tidy workspace supports a tidy mind.

• Use shelves or drawers to store items you don’t need every day
• Keep only essentials on your desk
• Use small trays or organisers for stationery
• Create a simple end‑of‑day reset routine

Organisation doesn’t need to be perfect — just supportive.

7. Add Comfort and Personal Touches

Your home office should feel like a space you want to spend time in.

• Add a plant for a sense of calm
• Use a soft desk mat or footrest
• Keep a water bottle nearby
• Add one or two personal items that make you smile

Comfort boosts focus, mood, and wellbeing.

8. A Simple Home Office Checklist

Use this quick checklist to make sure your space works for you:

• A defined workspace
• A comfortable, supportive chair
• A desk with enough room
• Good lighting
• Monitor at eye level
• External keyboard and mouse
• Organised storage
• A few personal touches
• A daily reset routine

Summary

Creating a home office that works for you is about choosing a space that supports comfort, focus, and wellbeing. This guide helps you set up a workspace that fits your home, with practical advice on layout, posture, lighting, tech essentials, and simple organisation. Whether you have a dedicated room or a small corner, you’ll learn how to build a comfortable, productive environment that feels good to work in every day.

Your desk is the foundation of your workspace.
It shapes your posture, your workflow, and even how calm or overwhelmed you feel during the day. The right desk supports your body, your tasks, and your environment — helping you work with more ease and intention.

1. Choose the Right Desk Size

The size of your desk affects everything from posture to productivity.

Width

• 120–160 cm works for most people
• 160–180 cm if you use dual monitors or need more space
• 100–120 cm for compact or shared spaces

Depth

• 70–80 cm is ideal
• Anything under 60 cm can feel cramped
• Deeper desks help with monitor distance and cable management

A desk that’s too small creates clutter and tension.
A desk that’s too large can overwhelm the room.
Aim for a size that supports your tools without crowding your space.

2. Consider Sit‑Stand Options

Sit‑stand desks support movement throughout the day, helping reduce stiffness and fatigue.

Benefits

• Encourages healthy posture changes
• Reduces prolonged sitting
• Supports focus during long tasks
• Helps with back and shoulder comfort

What to look for

• Smooth, quiet height adjustment
• Stable frame (no wobble at standing height)
• Memory presets
• A surface that feels calm and durable

If a full sit‑stand desk isn’t right for your space, a desk riser can offer similar benefits

3. Prioritise Stability and Build Quality

A stable desk helps you feel grounded and supported.

Look for:

• Solid legs or a strong frame
• Minimal wobble when typing
• A surface that doesn’t flex
• Quality materials (wood, MDF, metal)

A stable desk creates a sense of trust — your tools feel secure, and your workspace feels dependable.

4. Choose a Surface That Supports Calm

Your desk surface affects both the look and feel of your workspace.

Consider:

• Matte finishes to reduce glare
• Warm wood tones for a grounded, natural feel
• Neutral colours to reduce visual noise
• Rounded edges for comfort and softness

Your desk should feel like a calm foundation, not a distraction.

5. Check Leg Design and Knee Clearance

Comfort isn’t just about the top of the desk — it’s also about the space underneath.

Look for:

• Enough room for your legs to move freely
• No bulky drawers blocking your knees
• Central beams that don’t interfere with posture
• Space for footrests or under‑desk storage

A desk that feels open underneath supports relaxed, natural posture.

6. Think About Cable Management

A good desk makes it easy to keep cables tidy.

Helpful features:

• Built‑in cable trays
• Grommet holes
• Under‑desk channels
• Space for a power strip

Cable management reduces visual clutter and helps your workspace feel calm and intentional.

Summary

Choosing the right desk is about more than furniture — it’s about creating a workspace that supports your body, your focus, and your wellbeing.

A well‑chosen desk becomes a stable, calming foundation for your workday.

A cluttered desk doesn’t just look messy — it quietly increases cognitive load, distracts your attention, and makes your workspace feel less supportive.
Thoughtful storage helps you create a desk that feels calm, intentional, and ready for focused work.

1. Start With a Clear Surface

Before adding storage, begin by removing anything that doesn’t need to live on your desk.

Keep on your desk:

• Your monitor
• Your keyboard and mouse
• A drink
• One or two essential tools (notebooks, pens, etc.)

Move off your desk:

• Paper piles
• Chargers and cables
• Spare stationery
• Personal items
• Anything you don’t use daily

A clear surface sets the emotional tone for your workspace — calm, uncluttered, and supportive.

2. Use Vertical Space to Reduce Desk Clutter

Vertical storage helps you keep your desk clear without losing access to the things you need.

Helpful options:

• Small shelving units
• Pegboards
• Wall‑mounted organisers
• Monitor shelves

These keep items visible and reachable while freeing up valuable desk space.

3. Add Under‑Desk Storage for Hidden Support

Under‑desk storage is ideal for items you need regularly but don’t want on display.

Consider:

• Under‑desk drawers
• Slim rolling cabinets
• Hook‑on trays
• Cable baskets

These solutions keep your essentials close without adding visual noise.

4. Use Desktop Organisers for Everyday Items

A small organiser can prevent your desk from becoming a drop‑zone.

Useful for:

• Pens and stationery
• Notebooks
• Sticky notes
• Headphones
• Small tech accessories

Choose organisers that match your desk size — the goal is to support your workflow, not crowd your space

5. Tame Your Cables

Cable clutter is one of the biggest contributors to visual stress.

Simple fixes:

• Cable trays
• Cable clips
• Velcro ties
• Under‑desk power strips

A few small adjustments can make your workspace feel instantly calmer.

6. Create a Daily Reset Ritual

A 60‑second reset at the end of each day helps your desk stay clear and supportive.

Try:

• Putting items back in their storage
• Clearing cups and dishes
• Resetting your keyboard and mouse
• Straightening your monitor
• Tidying cables

This small habit reinforces a sense of calm and control.

Summary

Smart storage isn’t about having more things — it’s about giving everything a place so your workspace feels calm, clear, and ready for focused work.

A clutter‑free desk supports your wellbeing, reduces stress, and helps you work with more ease and intention.

A healthy desk layout isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating a space that supports your body and reduces the small stresses that build up over long workdays. A few simple adjustments can make your work feel calmer, clearer, and more sustainable.

1. Start With Your Monitor

• Top of the screen at or slightly below eye level
• About an arm’s length away
• Centered directly in front of you

2. Position Your Keyboard and Mouse

• Keep them close to your body
• Elbows at roughly 90 degrees
• Wrists neutral, not bent

3. Create Space for Your Body

• Clear clutter from the area directly in front of you
• Keep only what you use daily within reach

4. Light Matters More Than You Think

• Use natural light when possible
• Avoid harsh overhead lighting
• Add a soft desk lamp for balance

5. Personal Items: Keep Them Intentional

• Choose 1–3 items that bring calm or joy
• Keep surfaces open and breathable

6. Check In With Your Body

Notice tension in your neck, shoulders, or wrists and adjust your setup when something feels off.

A good chair doesn’t just feel comfortable — it supports your body so you can work with less strain and more ease. This quick tool helps you understand the key features to look for when choosing a chair that supports your back, posture, and overall comfort.

1. Look for adjustable lumbar support
   Your lower back needs gentle, consistent support. A chair with adjustable lumbar height or depth helps you stay aligned throughout the day.
2. Choose a seat that supports your legs
   A good seat should allow your feet to rest flat on the floor, keep your knees at a comfortable angle, and avoid pressure behind the thighs.
3. Prioritise adjustable armrests
   Armrests should support your arms without lifting your shoulders. Look for height‑adjustable or width‑adjustable options.
4. Check the backrest recline
   A chair that allows slight recline helps reduce pressure on your spine. Aim for a backrest that moves with you rather than locking you in place.
5. Choose breathable materials
   Mesh or breathable fabrics help keep you comfortable during long sessions.

Quick Checklist

• Adjustable lumbar support
• Adjustable seat height
• Adjustable armrests
• Breathable backrest
• Smooth recline
• Stable base