What To Include In An ADHD Office Chair

Managing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a multifaceted approach that often includes mindfulness, medication, lifestyle adjustments, and psychotherapy. For working professionals in an office or students in a classroom, choosing the right chair may reduce symptoms and increase overall productivity. Conventional office chairs may not provide opportunities for small movements or comfortable sitting positions. ADHD chairs, on the other hand, are typically designed to enable movement and various sitting positions, which can encourage longer periods of focused work.

When considering a new chair to manage ADHD symptoms at the office, you might look for one that’s comfortable, with an ergonomic design, adjustability, and durability. Working with a therapist can help you develop additional strategies for managing ADHD symptoms at work.

Having trouble managing ADHD symptoms at work?

Online therapy can help

What is an ADHD office chair? 

Many jobs require a person to sit in an office chair for a large portion of the working day. However, regular office chairs tend to be stiff or uncomfortable and are not usually made with ADHD in mind. 

An ADHD office chair may be designed specifically for individuals living with ADHD or other types of neurodivergence. With an ADHD chair, a person may be able to use a variety of active sitting positions. 

The Pipersong meditation chair, for example, may enable a person to sit cross-legged. Sitting cross-legged may not make a difference by itself, but being able to transition between many different seated positions, including cross-legged sitting, can improve focus at work and in the classroom.

Another active chair that may allow individuals with ADHD to move out of their primary sitting position is a balance ball chair. Balance ball chairs and other adaptive chairs are usually designed to allow students and adults to bounce, rock, or move slightly while working. 

In addition to adaptive seating, a standing desk can also have a positive effect on students and office workers.

How can an office chair benefit people with ADHD?

Office workers with ADHD may benefit from having a specialized office chair in the workplace. A comfortable chair can help individuals with ADHD stay seated and focused for longer periods, potentially reducing the urge to fidget or move around excessively. 

Working while sitting in a traditional chair can be uncomfortable, which may cause a person with ADHD to focus on their discomfort rather than the task at hand. Having a comfortable chair may mean fewer distractions and enhanced productivity.

Specialized office chairs can also allow for freedom of movement. Some chairs have a built-in wobble or bounce, which can enable a person to move while thinking and working. Other chairs allow individuals to sit in different positions depending on what is comfortable for them.      

4 things to seek when buying an ADHD office chair

With many different chair designs on the market, it can be challenging to determine which chair meets your specific needs. However, a few key factors may help you decide which chair is right for you. 

Ergonomic design

Ergonomic design can be understood as a style of design made to fit the human body rather than force it to accommodate the design. This generally means that, with an ergonomic chair, a person can sit in a natural and comfortable way. This may reduce distraction due to discomfort, thus improving focus. For an individual with ADHD, an ergonomic design may make it easier to work longer hours, potentially increasing productivity. 

In general, no two people are the same. When looking for an ADHD office chair, it may be important to ensure that you can make the necessary adjustments for maximum comfort. Being able to adjust the seat height, lumbar support, and armrests can customize the chair to your body type and make it more comfortable. 

Comfort and support

Outside of ergonomic design, it may be beneficial to look for overall comfort and support as well. Having a comfortable seat cushion and backrest for long periods of sitting can help an office worker stay productive and relaxed without needing to get up as often. A chair with a stable base and smooth, quiet casters can provide a sense of security and stability for individuals with ADHD. 

For individuals with sensory sensitivities or hyperactivity, a comfortable and supportive chair with soft, breathable upholstery may prevent sensory overload and discomfort. In addition, it can be beneficial for the chair's overall design to be simple and streamlined, avoiding excessive padding or decorative elements that may be distracting.

Durability and quality

Office chairs can be expensive pieces of furniture, but choosing a durable, high-quality product can provide you with a comfortable chair that lasts for years. It may be beneficial to do some research or discuss options with your support network or therapist before buying a chair. You may want to look for a chair with high-quality upholstery and a sturdy design and construction. 

In the long run, investing in a high-quality chair may be worth spending a little more, and it could save you money over time. A lower-quality chair may wear out quicker and need to be replaced sooner than a well-made and thoughtfully designed chair. This can also be true if the chair wiggles too much, squeaks when rolling, or has other distracting elements. 

Additional features

When searching for a new ADHD office chair, you may want to consider any additional features the chair has when compared to others. For example, some chairs offer a headrest or footrest, which may enhance overall comfort. You might look for a chair with a swiveling base that allows a person to swing from position to position. On the other hand, you could look for a chair that can lock the swiveling functionality if the swiveling becomes a distraction. 

Comparing features may come down to personal preference, and what works for one person may not work for another. You may want to work with a therapist who can give you some advice or suggestions about what features can make a difference for individuals with ADHD. 

Other ways to reduce ADHD symptoms at work

While furniture and specifically your office chair may impact ADHD symptoms, there can be other ways to reduce ADHD symptoms at work. By developing mindfulness practices, making small environmental and lifestyle adjustments, and connecting with a therapist, it can be possible to reduce symptoms and increase focus and productivity. 

ADHD can be classified as a chronic disorder and may never go away completely. Still, by implementing coping strategies, it can be possible to limit ADHD symptoms and reduce the stress and anxiety that ADHD may cause. 

Below are four ways to manage ADHD symptoms at work. 

Mindfulness

A person with ADHD may encounter situations that trigger symptoms daily. Mindfulness can help individuals overcome these triggers as they occur. Mindfulness is a coping strategy that generally encourages a person to be more aware of their thought patterns and to engage in strategies to improve mental health. Research suggests that mindfulness can reduce symptoms and increase focus for individuals with ADHD.

Mindfulness may include a variety of strategies, including journaling, meditation, and deep breathing. These strategies can enable people to think before acting, which may provide an opportunity to change behavior. This can be helpful for individuals who struggle with impulsive behavior due to ADHD because they may be able to consider the potential consequences and rewards before acting.  

Environmental adjustments

ADHD symptoms may also be reduced by making a few environmental adjustments. At work, it can be beneficial to keep an organized and minimalistic workspace, which can improve focus and reduce distractions. Having excessive clutter may cause a person with ADHD to become overstimulated, which can make it hard to continue working effectively. 

In addition to keeping the physical environment well-organized, it may be important to organize calendars and develop routines at work to stay focused. This could include dedicating certain times of day to certain tasks, such as answering emails immediately after you arrive at work or only holding meetings in the afternoon. 

Lifestyle adjustments

Lifestyle adjustments, such as prioritizing nutrient-dense food choices and getting more exercise, can improve ADHD symptoms. These adjustments may lay the foundation for ADHD management, ensuring that the body gets the nutrients it needs while also releasing neurotransmitters that can clear thinking. 

In addition to eating nutrient-rich foods and getting exercise, sleep can also be important for managing ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved by practicing good sleep hygiene practices, such as ensuring the room is dark, limiting screen time before bed, and avoiding caffeine after lunch. 

Therapy

Living with ADHD can present new and different challenges each day. One way to manage ADHD symptoms in daily life may be to work with a therapist. However, finding a local in-person therapist who meets your specific needs and is a good fit for your personality can be challenging. Online therapy can offer the flexibility to choose a therapist with whom to work from any location with an internet connection. 

Online therapy, especially online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective for treating ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity, according to a 2022 study.

Takeaway

Many factors can impact an individual's ADHD symptoms at work. Sitting in an office chair designed for individuals with ADHD can reduce symptoms and increase productivity. When looking for a chair, it may be important to prioritize options that are ergonomic, comfortable, and durable. You can further manage symptoms at work by connecting with a licensed mental health professional in person or online.