10 Ways Your Furniture Can Make You Healthier

In our connected world, many people now work remotely from home, spending hours at a time parked in front of the computer. In fact, even if you commute to work—or even if you're retired—chances are that you spend a sizable portion of each day in your office area, sitting on a desk chair. If long stretches of time on that chair leave you with nagging aches and pains, it may be time to replace it with something more ergonomic. At the high end, options abound, but relatively offer enhanced comfort at a low price. With its adjustable seat, mesh back, lumbar support and lockable tilt function, the MARKUS swivel chair may be the best of the budget bunch. Available at IKEA; $199.

Related: 11 Totally Unexpected Uses for IKEA Furniture

In recent years, the catch phrase “sitting is the new smoking” has been circling the Internet, courtesy of Dr. James Levine of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. The phrase may be sensational, but it also rings true: sitting for long periods of time increases the risk of health concerns like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. The Ergoneer Sit-Stand Desktop Converter for laptop and desktop computers addresses these concerns. The lightweight converter easily slides up and down to adjust from a seated height to a standing height. Its narrow design requires minimal desk space, and a pull-out keyboard improves functionality. Now you can stretch your legs and improve your health while working at home or in the office. Available on Amazon; $143.98.

Related: 10 Space-Smart Ways to Squeeze in a Home Office

For a standing desk that offers you mobility, consider a rolling laptop cart. Though small, this piece boasts an impressive amount of storage space. Storage is no problem with this slim-line unit. Simply roll it into your workspace when you need it, then roll it out of sight when you don't. Available on hayneedle.com; from $50.50

Related: 10 Ways to Furnish Your Home at Target for Under $50

At the end of a long day at work, it's easier to pop an aspirin or throw on a heating pad than to figure out why you're dealing with muscle aches and pain in the first place. A bad desk chair could be to blame; they're notorious for encouraging poor posture and lower back pain. If you can't chuck the chair, slip the Kensington's SoleSaver Adjustable Footrest under your desk instead. This little add-on could do wonders to improve your circulation and reduce pressure on your spine. You can adjust the height and angle of the footrest for optimum comfort, while the non-slip design keeps your feet comfortably stable throughout the day. Available at Amazon; $14.99.

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Since a "do not disturb" sign really doesn't cut it when it comes to cutting down the noise in the evening, surround yourselves with extra textiles to soften the sounds—we're talking more than the blankets on your bed. Choosing a tufted headboard or upholstered headboard tiles like these help absorbs noise that comes through from the other side of the wall without the heavy-duty installation. You'll be counting fewer sheep the following nights. Available at Target.com; starting at $66 for a twin-size.

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