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It is often assumed that sitting is a relaxed position for the body; however, sitting for long stretches of time actually puts enormous stress on your shoulders and back. The key to relaxing your body while sitting is to maintain good posture. The chair in which you sit has the single greatest impact on your posture and, eventually, your productivity.

Try these important pointers in choosing a office chair that encourages good posture and minimizes discomfort:

First, consider the seat pan, or the place where you sit. When trying a chair, sit down to confirm that the pan is wide enough for a comfortable fit, with at least an inch to spare. Your weight should also be spread evenly across the pan to eliminate individual areas of pressure, and the chair should still be comfortable after one to two hours of sitting. The seat should not be too deep that it touches the back of your knees.

Secondly, look at the height of the chair. Any chair you will be sitting in for more than a few minutes must have an adjustable height. It is even better if you can adjust it while you are sitting in it to maximize proper positioning. Good posture requires that both feet are placed firmly on the ground.

Thirdly, evaluate the backrest. It is imperative that an office chair have proper lumbar support. Adjustable back support makes the chair more flexible. But even without this option, the lumbar support should fit to the contours of your spine to provide the most comfort. Sitting in the same position can be hard on your body. A chair that can recline to vary your position can help prevent discomfort.

Lastly, determine if you need armrests. When typing, it is important to properly support the weight of your arms and hands, without adding strain to your wrists. The more mobility you have in the armrests, the better positioning you can achieve. The height of the armrests must be adjustable to encourage good posture. They should be set low enough to support the elbows while the arms are at your side in a relaxed position. However, it your arms should not rest permanently on the arm pads while typing or mousing. Instead, it is helpful have the flexibility to move the armrests out of the way for periods of time to lower pressure on the ulnar nerve located in your elbow.