# The Unspoken Struggles of Writers: Tackling Discomfort in the Craft
Written on
Understanding the Writer's Dilemma
In my earlier years, I could easily set my laptop down on any surface and write for hours. My choices for office furniture were primarily based on looks rather than comfort. However, upon returning to writing, it became clear that my chair was in dire need of an upgrade. The chair I had been using for five years, which I found on the street near my apartment, had a full mesh back and headrest, but that wasn’t enough for marathon writing sessions.
After a few hours of typing, I found myself unable to continue due to unbearable discomfort. Stretching provided temporary relief, but soon the pain became a daily struggle. Even after a full night's rest, just the thought of sitting down to write felt daunting. The discomfort was not just a nuisance; it was costing me productivity and income. It was time for a change.
Finding the Right Chair
Having learned from past experiences, I was determined not to waste money on a typical $150 office chair. I needed something that could withstand hours of use. After exploring a subreddit dedicated to office chairs, I discovered the Steelcase Leap V2 was highly recommended. While a new model was priced at $800, I opted for a used one at $300.
With nine adjustable options, I thought I could finally find a comfortable position. Unfortunately, even with adjustments, the discomfort persisted. Despite the chair's reputation, it turned out that the minimal padding on the seat cushion was no longer effective. I even invested in seat cushions from Amazon, but they either failed to alleviate the pain or raised me too high relative to the lumbar support.
The Lucky Find
A month later, while leaving a drug store, I spotted an office chair behind the building. My research had familiarized me with quality chairs, and I quickly recognized it as a Haworth Zody—another premium model. Although the Zody's seat cushion was more substantial than the Leap's, the discomfort remained after a few hours.
Discovering the Standing Desk
The breakthrough came while housesitting for a friend who had a standing desk converter. I was skeptical about standing while working, but after trying it for a day, I was convinced. My current desk was outdated, and I needed a new one. Tired of settling for subpar furniture that ultimately cost me more, I decided it was time for a standing desk.
After a month of research, I settled on the Herman Miller Jarvis desk. However, I quickly realized the base model only had a two-stage height adjustment. If I was going to invest a significant amount, I wanted a three-stage model. The Uplift V2 and Flexispot E7 were my top contenders. I chose the Uplift V2, which I got at a clearance price.
The Monitor Arm
Once my new desk was assembled, I realized I needed a monitor arm to adjust the height for both sitting and standing positions. My 28-inch gaming monitor required a sturdy arm that could hold its weight. An adjustable monitor arm is essential for any writer, as it saves desk space and allows for optimal positioning.
Aesthetic Concerns
Admittedly, my setup looks chaotic. While the desk is sleek, the cables are a mess, and I plan to switch to wireless peripherals in the future. Despite the Uplift's excellent cable management features, standing desks inherently lack ways to hide cables.
The Comfort Factor
Overall, my new setup feels fantastic. I stand less than I initially expected—my ankles tend to swell—but even standing 10% of the time has made a significant difference. Instead of enduring pain while sitting, I can simply stand up when discomfort arises.
In hindsight, I may not have needed to spend as much on my setup; a less expensive desk could have sufficed. Yet, the Uplift desk feels solid and reliable, eliminating any wobbling concerns.
Reevaluating My Needs
I initially thought a new chair would solve my problems, but I realized that the key was to incorporate standing into my routine. Regardless of how luxurious a chair is, comfort during long writing sessions is paramount.
Now, I can write throughout the day without being hindered by discomfort. The investment of over a thousand dollars was worthwhile. For anyone serious about writing, it's crucial to invest in the right tools. While a standing desk won't directly improve your writing skills, it can significantly enhance productivity.
Don't let discomfort be an excuse for not finishing your story.
In conclusion, addressing ergonomic needs is vital for writers. By incorporating standing desks and adjustable monitor arms, you can create a more comfortable and productive workspace.