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Tips for Improving Your Desk Ergonomics at Home

Here's how to avoid pain and strain while using electronic devices

Whether you’re working at a computer desk, playing a game on your phone or tablet, or watching TV, it’s important to make sure you’re positioning your body properly. Otherwise, you’re bound to feel uncomfortable.

More on ergonomics

Of course, there’s no one perfect posture for every person, so experiment with different positions to find those that feel best for you. Our in-house ergonomics expert, Paul Ritchey, DrPH, a certified professional ergonomist with CR’s Consumer Experience & Usability Research team, offers these general guiding principles to follow.

To see our tips, click or hover your cursor over (or tap, on mobile) the dots in the illustration below.

Click dots to learn more.

Illustration: Chris Philpot

Plus: Take Stretch Breaks

Even if you’re in a comfortable position, it’s best to avoid holding it for long periods of time. Try to get up for just a minute or two—walk around, stretch, shake yourself out—every half-hour or so.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the October 2022 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.