by For a year now, our kids have been studying at home, more or less part time, depending on their grade level. And honestly, the number of hours they’ve logged at the computer sitting in somewhat questionable ways, has gone up. (Someone had to say it!) I have a daughter who does everything from the comfort of her bed, and though I’ve mentioned that her work station isn’t ergonomic, but she does what she wants! So I went on the hunt for things that could help improve posture for her, for any other teen studying while slouching or for anyone currently telecommuting. Here are the ergonomic accessories I found — and from local businesses at that!
POSTURE RECHARGER LUMBAR PILLOWS FROM BRUNAULT
These fantastic ergonomic add-ons are made by hand in Granby by a chiropractor. The goal? To relieve strain and adjust your back adequately no matter how you’re seated! You could be at your desk, in the car, on the couch or in your bed! I love that the pillow’s strap fastens easily to the chair at my desk or the one in my car and that it’s so easy to adjust: you just have to line up the thicker part of the pillow with your belly button. You can’t mess it up or worsen your slouch! There are three different sizes/types to choose from, and each relies on the curve of the back and what you want to use it for. The tinier ones are ideal for chairs or car seats, while the medium one is more for sofas, a bed and even meditating. There is also a neck pillow that can be used alone or in combination with the medium pillow for a better alignment.
PORTABLE WORK SURFACE
I have a soft spot for this portable work surface, found at fdmt, a company producing educational toys in Longueuil. Even if, ergonomically speaking, the gaze shifts a little too low to be used for hours by teens or adults, it’s great in bed, on the couch or even outside (weather permitting)!
standing desk
Another great and handmade find is by Rabot D Bois, a great business from the lower St-Lawrence! It has multiple settings and heights, which is great for everyone in the home. It can also be installed in a more accessible part of the house even though it’s portable from one room to the next. It takes seconds to customize it to your own height and give your back a break from an uncomfortable chair. The company also makes an inclined footrest that is larger than anything else on the market. They’ve also created another great tool that I’ll talk about soon.
adjustable KORE stool
This one was recommended to me by everyone over at fdmt. It’s a wobbling stool that strengthens posture by moving left-right and back and forth. It allows you to find a comfortable, ever-changing position but it’s anti-roll safety ring stabilizes your knees, hips and back. The stool can be used during homework, reading, drawing, meals or board games.
We can also make do and give a second life to things around the house. For instance, I’ve often used my wedge pillow (the one I use to prevent acid reflux) to work in bed and my friend Josée told me that she uses hers for reading.
FOR IMPROVED CONCENTRATION
While I was researching tips to help my girls study, I took the time to look into things that could help them concentrate.
LES COQUILLES INSONORISANTES
In a home that is always hustling and bustling like mine, noise-cancelling ear muffs are essential. Reducing any kind of distracting noise to tackle that to-do list or finish that assignment makes all the difference!
weighted shoulder wrap
I was aware of the benefits of manimo, these weighted stuffed animals that double as concentration aids for children after buying them for my daughter, but I didn’t know they existed for adults as a weighted shoulder wrap! It’s as if there’s a hand on your shoulder telling you that everything is going to be fine, that you can concentrate!
I’m ending this post with an honourable mention: a massaging roller that helps you unwind and relieve tension after a long day at the virtual office or library.
Even if we’re on the other side of this and one day — one day! — we’ll find ourselves studying and working outside of the home, we should still work towards improving our posture and working conditions within it. We should maintain and prioritize posture and even concentration because both will serve us well in the long run.
