Last Updated on March 1, 2024
Are you a student who’s currently trying to get motivated to do better in your classes? When I was a student, I spent more time in front of my desktop than anywhere else. That is, until I got my laptop. Then, I spent more time in front of it. I worked at it in my dorm room, in the classroom, in the random late-night restaurant I found myself in during finals’ week…
At the time, I didn’t realize that I wasn’t using it the best way possible. After about a semester of slouching over in poor lighting I ended up with massive headaches and back pain. In searching for back pain treatment I came across ideas on how to design an ergonomic workspace with my laptop. Not only did this make it more comfortable but it also made me more productive. The better I felt, the more I was able to devote my attention to what I was supposed to be doing in front of the computer to start with.
Feeling Great Means Better Production Quality
The following are 10 ways to be more productive when using your laptop in an ergonomic way. With just a few simple changes you could be getting more done and not feeling so lousy in the process.
1 ) Adjust your lighting – You want the room to be moderately bright. If it’s too bright then you might have a glare on the screen and it it’s too dark then you’ll be straining to see what you’re trying to read.
2 ) Forgo the wrist rest when typing – A wrist rest is fine when you’re actually resting. When you’re typing though, your wrist should not be placed on it.
3 ) Adjust your monitor – According to Tamara James of Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety’s ergonomics division’s video “Ergonomics important when using laptops”, the top of the screen should be eye level. If it’s lower then you might end up with a literal pain in your neck that has nothing to do with your Calculus class.
4 ) Use a mouse – You might be adept at using the pad on the computer but I’m not. A separate mouse could help you work faster and can definitely be good for your wrist. Just don’t keep your wrist on the table or desk when working. Your forearm should be able to move so that you don’t strain it.
5 ) Give yourself support – You should be able to have our back and shoulders supported if possible. That might mean placing something solid behind your back.
6 ) Move around – Getting up and taking a break is good for more reasons than one. Sitting still for too long is never a good idea but moving around can also help if you’re losing your concentration. A trip for a snack or a beverage or even to just walk around the room can get you back on track and help you stretch your muscles.
7 ) Use arm rests – Not all dorm chairs have arm rests. Sometimes, you don’t even use a desk but resign yourself to a spot on the bed. Try to use arm rests when you can, though. This might mean creating your own out of pillows so that you have the occasional place to rest them.
8 ) Put the monitor away – Place your computer as far away as possible, while still being able to reach it without it being uncomfortable. Ideally, a separate keyboard should be used.
9 ) Turn on the light – If your roommate is trying to sleep then it might be time for you to hang it up for the night, too. Don’t try to work in the dark. A headache won’t make you more productive.
10 ) Use a stool – Prop your feet up on a stool if they don’t touch the ground. You not only need the support for your lower back but if your legs and feet fall asleep you’re not going to get much accomplished anyway.
The better you feel, the more you’ll be able to do. Don’t try to tempt your physical health even when an important assignment is on the line. In searching for back pain treatment use the previous suggestions, and I think you will find it will make a big difference.
Did you enjoy this article? Don’t be shy, comment below and let us know! For more useful articles, please don’t forget to subscribe to the RSS-feed and follow Inspirationfeed on Twitter, Google+ and Facebook! If you enjoyed the following article we humbly ask you to comment, and help us spread the word!