15% off €25

Code:BASKET
☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNovominsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouBioglanNatures AidWild NutritionDAME3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutlet3 for €18Short Dated August 2025Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeAlcohol FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomCollagenCastor OilShiitake MushroomVitamin EAloe VeraMaitake MushroomNew inFood & DrinkVegan Food & DrinkDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeNakdPukkaHeath & HeatherManuka DoctorPerfectTedEgmont HoneyTREKBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 for €6OutletIntro OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomChaga MushroomNew inSports NutritionProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoHolland & BarrettOptimum NutritionApplied NutritionPrecision EngineeredMyproteinGrenadeUSNNakdTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntro OfferShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeVitamin ENew inBeautyAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupDr OrganicFaith in NatureNaturtintWeledaTisserandQ+AMiaromaCetaphilTrilogyWildSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 for €233 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosemaryHyaluronic AcidVitamin EAloe VeraRosehipLavenderSeaweedSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportHolland & BarrettGrenadeOptimum NutritionHeath & HeatherPulsinUSNDiabloEat WaterKalloNudie SnacksSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventOutletShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inNew InTrendingBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free EventBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23Outlet2 for €6Intro OfferShop all Health & WellnessWomen's HealthMen's HealthImmunityJoints, Bones, & MusclesEnergyGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicFaith in NatureVitabioticsNaturtintOptimum NutritionWeledaApplied NutritionPrecision EngineeredQ+ASave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 Get 1 Free Event2 for €23Outlet2 for €6Gluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeSoya FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CApple Cider VinegarTea TreeLion's Mane MushroomHyaluronic AcidVitamin ERosehipAloe VeraLavenderRosemaryNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

How to sit at a desk

Man sitting at a desk at home
From assessing your sitting position to making sure you have the right desk setup, here are some tips on how to sit at your desk and support yourself

Sitting at a desk for a prolonged period, or in the wrong position, can contribute to numerous health issues.1 Sitting for a long time can put you at risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, weight gain, and a weakened immune system. Bad posture can also contribute to pain throughout the body, including repetitive strain injury, postural fatigue and eye strain.2 If you’re already struggling with bone or muscle strain, try supplements to ease the symptoms.

Assessing your sitting position

Sitting in a correct position can be an important factor in maintaining your overall health. Not only can assuming a good posture reduce pain and health risks, but it can also boost productivity.

Adjust your chair

Adjust your chair

Adjust your chair until your feet are comfortably flat on the ground, the top of your legs are parallel, and your knees are even with, or slightly below, your hips. If you are unable to reach the ground with your feet, use a footrest. Don’t sit with your legs crossed!

Your wrists and forearms should also be parallel with the ground. Your elbows should be by your side and able to extend into an L-shaped bend.3

Support your back

Back pain is a common ailment stemming from poor postural alignment. There are several steps you can take to reduce or prevent back pain. While adjusting your chair, make sure your lower back is well supported. Sit straight and keep your hips far back in the chair to avoiding slouching.

Suitable chair types for desks are those that are easily adjustable, allowing alteration of height, back position, and tilt. You can also invest in ergonomic chairs, which will adequately support your whole body.4

Assess your desk setup

Assessing your desk setup can alleviate or prevent pain and muscle tension.

Readjust screen levels

Readjust screen levels

The top of your screen should be roughly at eye level, directly in front of you and around an arm’s length away to reduce neck strain.5 A monitor stand can raise the screen to achieve this positioning.

Keyboard and mouse position

Position your keyboard in front of you and keep your arms in the L-shape position, elbows by your side. You should try to leave a gap of around four to six inches between the keyboard and edge of your desk to allow your wrists to rest.6

Have your mouse as close as possible to avoid overreaching. A mouse mat with an added wrist pad can help keep your wrist aligned and reduce strain.

Screen reflection

Adjust your monitor to avoid reflection from lights or direct sunlight. You should try to prevent any glare on your screen to reduce eye strain. You can also change your screen’s brightness and contrast to get the best screen quality for you.

You should also avoid wearing bifocal glasses while you look at a computer screen as this might result in moving your head up and down frequently to see the screen, adding to any neck and muscle strain.7

Keep essential objects in reach

Any object on your desk should be within an easy reaching distance, so you won’t need to twist or stretch to access it. You should try to avoid cradling a phone with your ear and shoulder; a headset can be a good option if you’re on calls throughout the day.

Take regular breaks

Remember to take frequent short breaks from sitting to allow muscles to relax and promote blood flow.

It's also important to keep your desk and equipment clean, find out how to clean your desk and how to clean your laptop.

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.