Originally posted on February 18, 2019 @ 3:30 am
For many modern workers, a huge portion of their workday is spent using a laptop. Whether you work remotely, spend time traveling for work, or just prefer to use a laptop over a desktop, you might be one of the thousands of professionals who accomplish their work on this type of computer. And while there’s plenty of information out there for how to have good posture and create an ergonomic space for people working on computers at a desk, using a laptop often brings about even worse posture and more physical issues that people don’t know how to combat. So to help you to feel better after working for hours on end, here are three tips for better posture and ergonomics when using a laptop.
The Importance Of Keeping Your Screen At Eye Level
One of the biggest problems with working on a laptop is that the keyboard and screen are connected. This can make it very easy for you to put the keyboard at an angle that’s comfortable but leave the screen in an awkward position for your body. Rather than doing this, NHS.uk recommends that you do what you can to keep the screen at eye level. By doing this, you’ll have far less strain on your head and neck, which can help to alleviate headaches that you may have been having as a result of working on your laptop.
Use Positions That Reduce Strain
Because of the way laptops are set up, you might find that it’s hard to get in a comfortable position when using them. If you’re sitting at a desk or table, you’ll likely be sitting in a more traditional position that will help to reduce strain to your joints and muscles. But if you don’t want to be sitting at a desk or table, Nancy Messieh, a contributor to MakeUseOf.com, recommends you try lying down with your knees up and your device resting on your thighs. If you don’t want to lay down, you should at least put a pillow behind your back when sitting on a couch or bed so you can have the support your body needs to reduce strain.
Consider Using An External Mouse and Keyboard
To get the most ergonomic set up with your laptop, Stephanie Burke, a contributor to Spine-Health.com, suggests that you consider just getting an external mouse and keyboard. By having these items disconnected from your laptop, you’ll be able to set up your work area so that you’re putting reduced stress on your hands, wrists, elbows, neck and more. This will allow you to have the monitor at eye level, the keyboard set so your elbows are resting at 90 degrees, and your wrists in a more natural position for using a mouse.
If you frequently do work on a laptop, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you have better posture and a more ergonomic set up.