Because you spend an average of 1,801 hours in your office yearly, making yourself comfortable in it should be your priority. It’s why we collated the best office gadgets we can find that will not only liven up your workplace but also improve productivity and positively impact your health.
Under-Desk Elliptical Bike
Sitting for hours on end doesn’t only result in a bad back. You’ll also have to deal with weak legs and are more prone to cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. That’s where the under-desk elliptical bike comes in. It’s an easy way to squeeze in more steps and do your daily cardio, all while working through endless office files.
Here are what you should look for in an under-desk elliptical bike:
- It has long and wide foot pedals to accommodate your feet comfortably.
- It has digital monitors that track your workout.
- It has just the right inclination to avoid hitting your knees on your desk.
- It’s compact to make it easier to move.
- It has a smart fitness app that guides your activities.
Below are some advantages you can gain in the long run:
- An under-desk bike builds leg strength and, in turn, reduces body fat. Cycling increases bone mineral retention as well.
- Avoid blocked arteries and increase your HDL (good) cholesterol levels by boosting your cardiovascular strength through just 30 minutes of daily aerobics.
- Muscles release glucose into the bloodstream when you pedal, raising blood sugar for increased energy and stable sugar levels.
- Regular exercise leads to better physical, mental, and emotional health. Cycling helps relieve stress and regulate mood by releasing endorphins, serotonin, adrenaline, and cortisol.
Smart Trash Cans
Improve waste management systems and increase recycling through smart bins. These trash cans have built-in sensors that accurately measure their capacity, so you don’t have to deal with an overflowing bin. Some models can notify users through their device via an app and even seal and change their own trash bags. Smart trash cans promote a hygienic office, lower management costs, and help the environment by reducing the use of plastic bags.
Hand Warmer/Massager
Electric hand massagers and warmers are designed to relieve pain in the hands, wrists, and fingers caused by long hours of typing and dealing with the computer. Some of the most common methods used in these devices include:
- Reflexology
- Acupressure
- Various air pressure and compression settings
- Kneading and vibrations
Just slip your hand inside the device to start the stimulation. You’ll feel the rest of your body relaxing as well. Hand massages aren’t only for relieving aches in your hands, they are also one of the best answers on how to keep hands warm while gaming. They also help reduce carpal tunnel symptoms and other possible damaging effects in the long run.
Smart Mouse Pad
Smart mouse pads are not only for smooth cursor movements but also for wireless charging. Any Qi-certified product is compatible with this gadget. Some can even control the temperature, so it automatically turns off once the device is fully charged.
Some models also have three charging modes: USB, USB-C ports, and wireless, so you can simultaneously charge your devices. You can now continue to multi-task and finish more work without waiting for your devices to be fully charged first.
Some devices it can charge include:
- Computer mouse
- Phones
- Wireless earpods
- Keyboards
- Speakers
Check the smart mouse pad’s size, material, and surface texture. Pick those with anti-skid and with an elegant design, so it fits your office aesthetic.
Smart Cups
Coffee is a necessity when you want an energy boost in the office. However, no one is a stranger to the struggles of waiting for your hot coffee to be at the right temperature, only to realize it has already turned too cold – no one’s fond of standing up and reheating their drinks in the microwave.
A smart cup is a portable, battery-operated device that keeps drinks hot for over an hour. Unlike heating devices that need to be manually monitored, smart cups let you control their temperature with an application installed on your phone. This application will also notify you of the cup’s battery level. Even without the app, the smart cup retains the last saved temperature you used.
Smart cups are equipped with sensors to go into sleep mode when empty or inactive for too long. It “wakes up” when it’s moved or poured with liquid.
Smart Water Bottles
Experts recommend drinking 2 liters of water daily to keep your organs healthy. But with how busy you are in the office, what can you do to avoid forgetting to drink water? Keep track of your hydration goals with a smart water bottle. These can monitor your water intake and remind you when it’s time to drink via smartphone notifications or LED lights incorporated in the bottle’s design.
But among the plethora of smart water bottles available, what should you pick? It will all boil down to what you want to achieve and what matters most to you.
Some bottles:
- Have UV technology to remove viruses, germs, and other impurities
- Are collapsible to save space
- Have detachable sensors so they can be cleaned in the dishwasher
- Are self-cleaning
- Can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours
Mini Hoover
Cleaning your desk has never been easier or as fun with a mini hoover. It’s a handheld, portable, wireless vacuum cleaner that tidies up your desk in no time. Some choices come with attachables, such as a crevice tool so you can clean every nook and cranny.
Get rid of the dust and breadcrumbs you’ve left when you tried to eat and work on your desk. Avoid attracting insects and keep your space posh. You can even get a groovy mini hoover that will double as a desk decorative!
Wrapping Up
Doing your work and upgrading your skills while staying healthy in 2022 can be challenging. Let some technology help you, so you don’t get overwhelmed with work and still feel comfortable in the office.
Which of these fun and useful gadgets are you planning to buy next?