Try an Adjustable Desk

January 2026 — Tip of the Month

People often think of adjustable desks as "sit/stand" desks, which you can use while sitting or standing. Apparently, some people can work while standing, but I tried it once, and I only lasted a few minutes.

Still, I bought an adjustable desk for a different reason — to improve my typing posture. Most desks are 28-30 inches tall, which is surprisingly too tall even for a 6'2" person like me. If my chair is set to the optimal height, my wrists are higher than my elbows when typing. The adjustable desk allows me to lower the height to less than 27 inches, which brings my wrists below my elbows, even with a wrist rest.

The next time you sit down at your computer (whether it's a desktop or laptop), check the bend in your elbows. It should be at least 90°, and ideally slightly more — between 100° and 110°. Ensuring the angle is over 90° will reduce strain on your wrists and make it easier to type for long periods of time.

Conversely, if your desk is fixed at the wrong height, you may unconsciously bend your wrists up or down to reach the keyboard. Over time, this awkward positioning can strain your tendons and nerves, leading to discomfort, fatigue, or even repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

In 2026, maybe it's time to try an adjustable desk. You can set the work surface to match your body rather than adapting your posture to the desk. If you raise or lower your chair, switch footwear, or change posture, you can quickly fine-tune the desk height to keep your wrists properly aligned. This flexibility helps you maintain good ergonomics rather than gradually slipping into poor wrist posture. ✅

- Per Christensson