Thread by @IndieHackers

Having the right desk setup makes work easier, more productive, and more enjoyable. It also helps you avoid injuries that are associated with sub-optimal setups.

Here are a few tips on leveling up your home office.

Thread 👇

✅ It's important to set your desk up in a way that suits your body. Here’s the seated posture that many experts advise (but do what feels right for you):
- Upper legs at 90-120 degree angles to your back
- Lower legs at 90-130 degree angles to upper legs
- Feet flat on the floor

✅ Posture cont…
- Upper arms hanging down loosely
- Lower arms at 90-120 degree angles to upper arms
- Back and neck straight but relaxed
- Face 20-30 inches from monitor
- Top of screen at eye level
- Screen has 10-20 degree tilt
- Same for standing desks (minus the leg stuff)

🤔 Standing vs sitting?

Short answer: Too much of either can be problematic. If you can, try alternating between the two. Consider getting a tall stool for your standing desk, a converter for your sitting desk, or a desk that changes heights easily.

Now let’s get into your desk:

📏 Size: Generally, a depth of 30 inches and a width of 36-60 inches should suffice. Decide what you want to keep on it before buying it and get the appropriate size for you.

🖥 Monitor(s): Invest in a monitor (or laptop stand). Note the positioning above. Consider monitors that reduce eye strain.

⌨️ Keyboard: Laptop keyboards aren't great for prolonged typing. Get an ergonomic keyboard. Avoid keyboards that tilt up or have number pads attached.

🐭 Mouse: Grab an ergonomic mouse. And if you feel tension in your wrist, consider a palm rest.

💺 Chair: Look for good lumbar support, adjustable height, and adjustable armrests. You should have 1-2 inches between the back of your knees and the chair. Try it before you buy it.

🛠 Hardware: Only hardware that you frequently need access to should be on the desk. Mount, hang, or put away everything else. Also, consider a cable management system.

🦄 Personalization: Personal items can elevate your energy, so add some photos, etc. But too much can be distracting.

💧 Water: And make sure there's always a glass of water handy.

As for the rest of the office:

☀️ Natural light reduces stress and anxiety, and improves mood and concentration. Choose a room with lots of sunlight. Put your desk by a window. Use LED lighting or daylight simulators when you're not getting enough natural light.

🌱 Plants prevent fatigue and keep you focused. They can actually boost productivity by 15%. And they purify the air. Try snake plants, spider plants, pothos, or English ivy.

🔥 Keep it warm. One study found that 77 degrees was optimal, and resulted in increased productivity and decreased errors.

🎧 Remove audio distractions like traffic, noisy neighbors, etc. with noise-canceling headphones, brown noise, the sound of rain, classical music, etc.

🎨 The color of your office can affect how you feel. Green is reassuring and balancing, yellow can stimulate and lift your spirits, and blue can stimulate thought and help you communicate.

🌍 Keep your setup eco-friendly. Don't buy stuff for your office that you don't need. If you need it, check the sourcing or get it second-hand. Turn off your electronics when you aren't using them. Consider offsetting your company's footprint.

✨ Set aside 5 minutes every day to keep your workspace clean, organized, and well-maintained.

For some cool desk inspo, as well as studies and more details, check out the article 🚀 indiehackers.com/post/the-optim…