Being short and small may be a physical struggle in society, especially when it is built with big and tall people in mind. Not only is it harder to purchase clothes that fit you well, but it is also quite impossible to reach the top shelves at the supermarket. Even standing on the train or attending sporting events and concerts is a tiring affair when you are surrounded by people taller than you are.
However, being short and small does not need to be a complicated affair when it comes to healthy ergonomics. While it can be a struggle to find desks suitable for your height, there are several things to note when looking around the market for an ergonomic-friendly desk.
How to get a desk if you are short?
Many would assume that since there are short and small people in society, there would be study and office furniture shops that would specifically manufacture tables and chairs to accommodate such a market. Unfortunately, it is not really the case. In this post, we will share four key factors that you should prioritise.
1. Prioritise distance and height
An ideal desk/chair combination should enable you to be able to look straight ahead at the top third of your computer monitor comfortably. Having to tilt your head upwards or downwards places unnecessary stress on your back and neck and must be avoided.
Sitting: If you are about 152cm and sitting down, you must ensure that your eyes are approximately 50cm to 76cm away from your computer monitor. Your monitor should also be at the height of about 109cm from the floor for you to look straight at the top third of your monitor comfortably. This means that you should be sitting at the height of 40cm.
Standing: If you are about 152cm and standing up, you must ensure that your eyes are approximately 50cm to 76cm away from your computer monitor. Your monitor should also be at the height of about 145cm from the floor for you to look straight at the top third of your monitor comfortably. Keyboard and mouse ergonomics do matter, too, and so their recommended height would be 99cm from the floor.
2. Prioritise your keyboard’s position
Once you have ensured the correct height for your monitor, whether you are standing or sitting, relax your arms and shoulders while placing them at your side. While maintaining a relaxed position, bend your elbows to a 90-degree position and rest your wrists on the table. That position and placement of your wrist are where your keyboard should be sitting at.
3. Prioritise the way you sit and stand
Generally, when people look for desks suitable for short and small individuals, they tend to focus primarily on the desks, overlooking the importance of the chair. However, the combination of both the chair and table is crucial in achieving an ergonomic-friendly working or studying environment. When you are comfortably seated or standing, you experience less pain and experience higher productivity and a better overall mood.
When sitting, ensure that your knees are always at a 90-degree angle with your feet planted firmly on the floor. However, if your desk and chair height setting does not allow you to reach the floor, consider getting a footrest. When standing, especially for a prolonged period, can often be tiring, which often leads to slouching or bending to one side. These positions are not good for your back and shoulder. As such, consider getting an anti-fatigue standing mat that can help to eliminate pressure while providing adequate support for standing for an extended period.
4. Prioritise how far you need to reach
As you are looking around the market for your ideal chair/desk combination, consider your work or study set-up and the items you have on your desk. One strategy is to ensure that everything is within arm’s length so you do not have to stretch to reach your desired item, especially if you are short. Stretching repetitively can place stress on your back. You might want to consider getting an organiser to place most-used items neatly and strategically near you and less-used items stored away within close reach.
Conclusion
When you are buying a desk for small and short individuals, consider these four factors. Working or studying at the desk should not cause you to experience neck or back pains. As such, it is quintessential that healthy ergonomics should be a key priority in your life.
If you are looking for ergonomic furniture, whether you are tall or short, why not consider TakeAseat? From ergonomic chairs to adjustable study tables and footrests to organisers, we have some of the broadest range of ergonomic products in Singapore. So, head on to https://www.takeaseat.sg/ or visit our showrooms at Ubi and Woodlands to take a look at potential products that may improve your work and study environment today!
