Is your office chair too high for you? Well, read through to know how to lower office chair so you’ll stop struggling. You know you have to be comfortable to be productive, right?
Sitting in an awkward position will eventually lead to slouching, crouching forward, and typing or working at an uncomfortable angle. This is why it is important to properly adjust the height of your office chair and take off load from your back.
Lowering Your Office Chair
When you lower your office chair, there are three easy steps that you need to follow.
Step #1. Search for the hand controls
Normally, a chair has a lever for adjustments. It is usually attached to the base located beneath the seat.
There may be several levers for different features, so you may need to read the manual to identify which one is for adjusting chair height or you can just try them all until you find the right one. Take note that some chair models use knobs instead of levels so you might want to look into them as well.
Step #2. Lower the seat to a height you are comfortable with
Once you identify the right lever, proceed with lowering. Sit on the chair and pull the lever up so the seat will go down.
Continue adjusting slowly a few centimeters at a time until desired height is reached. For a knob, turn it clockwise to lower the seat.
Raising the chair height is basically the same as lowering it. For a lever, you just have to pull with the weight released. For a knob, just turn it in the opposite direction (counterclockwise).
Step #3. Adjust from a standing position
If you can’t seem to get the right height, try standing beside your chair. Adjust the seat until it reaches just below your knee cap — a position where you can sit comfortably with your feet on the ground.
Making other adjustments
Aside from having the right chair height, you will be at your most comfortable sitting position while working by making other adjustments.
Back height. To raise the backrest, grip it on both sides, at the top, or at the bottom, and carefully lift. As it rises, you’ll hear a distinct clicking sound every 2 inches.
Lift the backrest to its highest position and then let it fall to its lowest position to lower it. Adjust until you reach the desired height.
Armrests. To modify the armrest’s height, squeeze the front trigger and move it up or down. To lock, release the trigger.
Loosen the knobs in the arm bracket while altering the distance between the armrests. Adjust the knobs until the proper spacing is achieved, then tighten them again.
Headrest. If your office chair has a headrest, make sure to adjust it for the maximum possible comfort. Simply grip the headrest and lift to rise. When the position has been locked, you will hear a distinct clicking sound.
To lower the headrest, first, lift it to its maximum height and then let it fall to its lowest position. Push down until you hear a clicking sound.
Adjusting your office chair height based on your task
Different tasks require different working positions and chair heights. It is important to make them fit well together so you can work properly.
Maintain an eye level with your computer when working
Following the standards, the computer screen should be at your level while the keyboard and the mouse at your elbow level. When you can’t adjust the table, you can adjust the chair height to accommodate.
Have your elbows at a desk height as you work on a flat surface
Adjust your chair height until your arm rests on a desk comfortably. This is ideal when working on a paper, like writing, drawing, or reading.
During long hours of work, rest your feet flat on the floor
When sitting for several hours, like when attending a meeting, you have to sit comfortably. Adjust the height of your chair so your feet reach the floor and you won’t sit awkwardly.
Other tips to promote comfort in working
Although having a comfortable chair is important when working, there are other few things you need to remember so you can reach the peak of comfort.
Every 15 to 30 minutes, change your sitting position
This will help reduce strain and other issues. You can lean forward a little from time to time then return to a fully seated position. Also, you can try shifting your weight on either side of the chair.
Use a footrest
In case your chair height can’t be lowered, slide in a footrest underneath your table. It is usually adjustable and is available in office supply stores. This will assist your feet, so you won’t sit in an awkward position even when on an uncomfortable chair height.
Conclusion
Everything too much is dangerous and a chair that is too high is no different. This is why learning how to lower office chair and making other adjustments is essential. Now seat comfortably and be productive!