Cubicle farms are pretty common fare these days because they maximize office space and minimize cost.  Some people love ‘em, some hate ‘em, but we all have to survive ‘em.  Instead of begrudging your cubicle, why not embrace what you do have and make the most of it?

Tips for Surviving in a Cubicle

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  Cubicles can make us all go a little crazy.

  Clear the clutter.  Nothing cramps a space more than a general lack of tidiness.  Take an hour or two and get organized.  It’s a nice break from the monotony of your normal responsibilities, and it will also serve to help you get reacquainted with lost papers.

• Get rid of knick knacks.  A framed photo or two is perfectly appropriate, but a whole collection of miniature cows, for instance, really knocks down your level of professionalism, especially if you entertain clients in your work space.  Choose one or two tasteful items, and keep the rest of your knick knacks at home.
• Rearrange your work space if necessary.  Your monitor should be at eye level and at least 20 inches away from you.  Your keyboard and mouse should be next to each other for efficient typing and mousing.  If desk space is minimal, mini keyboards are a great option for freeing up a few inches.
• Adjust where you can.  Most chairs have some sort of adjustment, if only up and down.  Do what you need to to get your feet flat on the floor and your back as well supported as possible.
• Keep your posture and positioning neutral.  This means sitting straight with your arms by your sides, and starting at your elbow making a straight line through to your wrists and hands.  Your wrists should never be cocked, especially when typing.  Rather, your hands should hover over your keyboard, in a curved position so as to avoid repetitive stress injuries.
• Try white noise.  The options are endless, and so is office noise.  If you are frequently disturbed by office shenanigans or overly zealous sales guys, turn on a little white noise.  You can try this free online white noise generator or you can try a desktop system-either way, it’s important to keep you mind on work and not in other people’s business.
• Take breaks.  If you feel overly cramped, take your coffee break outside, or at least out of your small space so you can stretch out.  Speaking of stretching out, make sure to take hourly stretch breaks.
• Take care of your eyes.  Whether you wear glasses or not, make sure you rest your eyes often by taking them off the screen and focusing on an object farther away.  You should also blink them regularly to restore moisture.  When possible, rotate your computer and other tasks so that you’re not on the computer all day.  Lastly, consider a good pair of reading glasses just for work.  Computer users often find that high quality reading glasses require a lower prescription and allow them to work more efficiently.

Just by re-working your space and taking care of yourself, you can not only survive the cubicle, you can thrive!

Filed under: Category Business, Health | Tags: cubicles,mini keyboards,posture,white noise,workstation design by emily
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Most laptop users love the flexibility they get from their laptop, but few users realize that their laptops were designed to provide mobility, not ergonomic comfort. Long term use can take its toll on your body. Take a few minutes to consider how you use your laptop and consider these tips to maximize comfort and productivity.

Whenever you use a computer, your goal should be to maintain a neutral sitting position. This position reduces the strain on your muscles caused from sitting and typing for long periods of time. However, it is impossible to achieve a neutral typing position on a laptop; but a few added gadgets can provide enormous ergonomic benefits. There are three main areas that can help encourage good posture while using a laptop.

Keyboard: In a neutral typing position, your keyboard should rest just below the height of your elbow, sloping slightly downward, away from your body. In this position, your hands can remain relaxed even when reaching for the top keys. A wireless mini keyboard is extremely portable and flexible, allowing you to use it in the optimum typing position whether at home or on the road.

Chair: Next adjust your chair. Your feet should firmly touch the floor, without pressure behind the knees.You also need sufficient lumbar support in the back rest. A neutral position allows the muscles in your back, arms, and shoulders to relax while you type. After adjusting your chair, if it still does not provide enough support for your lower back, adjustable lumbar support can easily be added. A rolled up towel can give you a temporary quick fix for back support.

Monitor: To create the best position for your neck, your computer screen should be directly in front of you and at eye-level, so that you can clearly see it without bending you neck. To achieve this monitor placement with a laptop often requires elevating your laptop above the surface of your desk or using a separate monitor. In a tight spot, a phone book might give just enough lift.

A mini keyboard, a monitor shelf, and adjustable lumbar support can provide every laptop user with the tools necessary to maintain good posture. By adjusting these three areas, you can create the restful, neutral position essential to the health of any laptop user.

- C. Sumner

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I am always looking for easy ways to make my work time more productive, so I can finish on time and enjoy the rest of my day with my family. Here are some great ideas that I have found helpful to increase productivity and make the most of my day:

• Try white noise – Conversations and other office noises are some of the biggest distractions at work. Most people lose up to two hours a day from these distractions. Try this free white noise generator to help you drown out the noise and better concentrate on your work.
• Adjust your chair – Improving your posture at work will improve your comfort and productivity and give you more energy throughout your day. A properly adjusted chair is the key to maintaining a neutral posture all day. Begin by adjusting the height of the seat until your feet rest firmly on the floor. A foot rest can help if you need additional height. Next, move the backrest on your chair until it best fits the contours of your back. If your chair does not have enough support for your lower back, it is easy to add an adjustable lumbar support cushion. Finally, make sure your arm rests low enough to allow your arms to move freely at the elbow when you type or use your mouse.
• Rearrange your desktop – Start by clearing off any excess clutter. This mess can be distracting and can cause you to waste time looking for things instead of working. Next, place your most used items within easy reach. You will be able to grab things quickly and avoid the excess stretching that can strain muscles and waste time. Finally, optimize the placement for your keyboard and mouse. They should rest on the same surface, about one to two inches above your lap. An adjustable keyboard tray is the easiest, most flexible way to customize the keyboard height. Pull the mouse as close to the keyboard as you can to eliminate the need to reach for it.
• Upgrade to an ergonomic keyboard – Try out several keyboards to find one the fits your hands and minimizes any extra work required with each keystroke. A left-handed keyboard and a mini keyboard both move the number pad to allow your mouse to be closer to the center of your body, making it easier to transition from keyboard to mouse multiple times a minute.
• Consider using an ergonomic mouse – You can significantly reduce discomfort and increase productivity by using a mouse that really fits your hand. Ergonomic mice come in various many shapes and sizes, so be sure to test-drive several different ergonomic mouse options to find one that fits well and encourages you to use good wrist posture.

By simply rearranging your chair and workspace, and trying a few new products, you can impact your productivity and maximize your works hours.

Filed under: Category Business | Tags: chair,ergonomic chair,ergonomic desk,ergonomic mouse,laptop productivity,left-handed keyboard,lumbar support,mini keyboard,pain,productivity,white noise by emily
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Do you get frequent headaches at work? Are you eyes tired and dry by the end of the day? These are good indicators that you may be suffering from eyestrain. Other symptoms include blurred or double vision, pain in the eyes, red and watery eyes, burning sensation when you close your eyes, and muscle spasms in the area around your eyes.

Here are some practical tips for relieving and preventing eyestrain:

• Adjust your monitor – Your screen should be centered directly in front of you at eye level. If it is too low, consider using a monitor riser to raise it to the necessary level. Also, confirm that your screen is the correct distance from your eyes for optimum focus. While sitting with your back against your chair, extend your arms straight out toward your monitor; your middle fingers should barely touch your monitor.
• Blink frequently – Keeping your eyes hydrated will reduce soreness and irritation. You may find it helpful to use over-the-counter eye-drops; talk to your pharmacist or doctor about recommendations.
• Look away – Refocus your eyes approximately every ten minutes. Look away from your monitor for at least 20 seconds and focus on something in the distance, about 20 feet away, then resume work.
• Take a vision break – Once an hour, just close your eyes and relax for about a minute. This can significantly reduce the pain and strain of your eyes.
• Get rid of glare – Adjust the lighting or window coverings to assure that there is no direct reflection or glare on your screen. If you are unable to eliminate the glare, use a glare filter. For best results, always keep the monitor clean and free of dust and debris.
• Use a document holder – A document holder can reduce the work on your eyes, neck and shoulders while typing. Make sure to place the document as close to your monitor as possible and at same distance away from your eyes. This will reduce any repeated focus changes for your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses – Sunglasses can significantly reduce glare while you are driving or working outside. For best results, be sure to find glasses that provide 100% protection from ultraviolet.
• Visit your eye doctor – Eye strain is most effectively relieved by rest. If you continue to suffer discomfort or notice a change in your vision, go in for an eye exam as soon as possible to ensure that other factors are not causing to your pain.

The muscles in your eyes can be overworked, just like any other muscle in your body. Many computer users and heavy readers suffer from headaches and eye strain, but this pain can and should be avoided. Follow these tips to relieve to your current discomfort and protect yourself future pain.

Filed under: Category Business, Health | Tags: document holder,eye strain,headache,monitor riser,pain by emily
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You have little control over many aspects of your work, but there are several small ways you can add comfort to your work space. Here are five tips for creating an ergonomic and productive workstation.

Adjust your chair. A properly adjusted chair will help support good posture and create more comfortable seating. First address the height of your chair. Adjust the seat so that both feet rest comfortably on the floor. Next, raise or lower your back rest to best fit the contours of your spine. Consider adding additional lumbar support if your chair does not properly support your lower back. Lastly, make sure your arm rests are not too high. They should be low enough to allow your arms to move freely as you type or mouse.

Raise (or lower) your monitor. The ideal height for your monitor is directly in front of you, at eye level. If your desk is too low, a monitor riser can provide the height you need for a more comfortable view.

Use a document holder. If you frequently read from a paper or notepad while typing, a document holder can eliminate the neck and shoulder pain that quickly results from constantly looking down at a text. This little tool can also significantly improve your productivity.

Use a phone headset. If you ever cradle the phone between your shoulder and ear in order to use your hands while talking, consider using a headset. A headset for your phone will reduce strain on your shoulders, add comfort to your workstation, and increase your productivity.

Move your keyboard. The ideal placement for your keyboard is just below the height of your elbow, sloping slightly downward, away from your body. From this natural stance your hands and wrists can remain relaxed even when reaching for the top keys. By using an adjustable keyboard tray, you can adapt the height and angle of your keyboard for comfort and productivity.

There are a few important adjustments you can make to almost any work space to create an ergonomic workstation. Taking the time to customize your desk can provide you a more productive and comfortable work experience.

- C. Sumner

Filed under: Category Business | Tags: ergonomic chair,ergonomic keyboard,ergonomic mouse,ergonomic workstation,keyboard tray,mini keyboard,monitor riser,productivity by admin
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Are your shoulders sore after a day at your computer? Do your hands or wrists ache when you spend too much time at your keyboard? Here are a few tips to help you stay healthier and pain-free while typing.

Confirm proper keyboard placement. Your keyboard should sit flat on a surface, or even better, at a slightly negative slope away from your body. It should rest about two inches above your legs, about an inch below your elbow height. The space bar on your keyboard should be perfectly centered to your body.

Sit up straight! Remember you mom always telling you to sit up?  She was right. Proper posture while typing is one of the most significant changes you can make to relieve pain and discomfort.

Keep your wrists straight. Your arms and hand should form a straight line from your elbow through your wrist and down to your middle finger.

Float your hands. For the least amount of stress and strain, your hands and wrists should hover over the keys. Never rest them on your desk or wrist rest while you are typing.

Rest on your palms. Between keystrokes you can support the weight of your arms and hands on the ball of your hands. Do not put any pressure or weight directly on the wrists; any surface pressure on the wrists can agitate the sensitive carpal tunnel area.

Press the keys lightly. There is no need to pound on the keys. Most keyboards require very little pressure to register a keystroke. This can save you significant muscle wear in your hands and wrists throughout the day.

Never reach for a key. If your hands are properly floating over the keys, it should be an easy motion to move your entire hand and arm until you fingers hover over the needed key. By stretching or straining to press higher keys, you add wear on your muscles and tendons.

Keep your hands and fingers curved. As you float over the keys, with your wrists and arms forming a straight line, curving your hands into a loose ball comes almost naturally. Be especially careful that you don’t allow your littlest finger or your thumb to lock straight.

Use two hands for two-key combos. Whenever you use your Shift key (or Ctrl or Alt) with an additional key, always press the Shift key with one hand and the second key with the opposite hand.  Trying to perform these actions with one hand will cause unnecessary wear and muscle strain.

This list may seem daunting, but these tips can save you wear and tear, and protect you from pain and injury. A reasonable plan would be to take a little time each week to focus on one or two things that can improve your typing comfort and health, or pick out one area that could benefit you the most. Even little changes in your posture and habits can make a huge impact in your keyboarding health.

Filed under: Category Business, Health | Tags: carpal tunnel,ergonomic keyboard,ergonomic mouse,keyboard tray,pain,wrist pain,wrist rest by emily
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Most computer users reach for their mouse hundreds of times throughout the day. In doing so, they have to stretch for a mouse that is not properly positioned. This stretching can cause pain and even injury to your wrists. Here are a few tips to protecting your wrists while using your mouse.

Find the best-shaped mouse for your hand.
Using a mouse that properly fits the shape of your hand can significantly reduce wrist extension and tendon damage. Take the time to handle and use several different ergonomic mice. The best mouse size and shape for you is one that promotes good wrist position and encourages mouse movement from the elbow.

Optimize your mouse placement.
When using a mouse, your body should be in a neutral position, with arms relaxed at your side and your mousing hand raised slightly higher than your elbow. This typically places the mouse one or two inches above the number pad on a properly-centered, standard keyboard. Using a platform with a separate mouse platform is the easiest way to achieve this ideal position. But if you are using a flat platform for both your keyboard and your mouse, pull the mouse against the side of your keyboard, as closely at it will fit. The key is to eliminate the need to stretch or reach for your mouse.

Filed under: Category Business, Health | Tags: carpal tunnel,ergonomic mouse,ergonomic workstation,keyboard tray,laptop productivity,wrist pain,wrist rest by emily
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Ergonomic wrist rests provide many benefits for a keyboard user.  They

- prevent extension of the wrist by keeping them straight during keyboard use.
- provide padding for the hands, making the desk more comfortable.
- keep hands from dropping off the edge of the keyboard.
- relieve tension and soreness in the shoulders by removing arm weight from the shoulders and neck.
- alleviate pressure and irritation of the tendons.

However, most people never learn how to correctly use a wrist rest.  To make the most of your wrist rest, follow these important tips:

1. Never place your wrists directly on the wrist rests (or any other surface). Instead, place the palm or the ball of your hand on the rest.
2. Only use the rest between periods of typing, not all the time.
3. While typing, keep your wrists straight with your hands floating freely over the keyboard.

Most computer users can benefit from using a wrist rest. If you take the time to learn how to use your wrist rest properly, you can prevent wrist injury and alleviate pressure and soreness in your arms and shoulders.

Filed under: Category Business, Home Business | Tags: ergonomic workstation,shoulder pain,wrist rest by emily
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Are you comfortable at your workstation? You aren’t always able to pick out your own furniture or workstation set up at a standard 9-to-5 job, but there are several small things you can do to create a better ergonomic work space. Here are some easy fixes for a more comfortable, productive workstation.

• Adjust your monitor height. Too often computer users spend hours each day looking down (or up, or to the side) at a computer screen that was never properly adjusted to their height. The ideal setup for your monitor is directly in front of you, at eye level, about your arm’s length away. A monitor riser is simple to install and can provide the height you need for a more comfortable view.

• Utilize a document holder. If you frequently read from a paper or notepad when typing, this one item can eliminate the neck and shoulder pain that quickly results from constantly looking down at a text. Incredibly, this little tool can also significantly increase your productivity. You no longer have to continuously look back and forth from your monitor, losing your place and slowing down your typing.

• Put on a phone headset. Frequent phone calls can decrease productivity and increase physical discomfort. Many people find it frustrating to sit with idle hands, while holding a phone receiver. But if you cradle the phone between your shoulder and ear in an attempt to write or type while on the phone, this will very quickly stain your shoulders and neck. A headset will easily free your hands for other tasks and make your workstation more comfortable.

• Move your keyboard. This might be the most important adjustment you can make to any work space. Your keyboard should rest just below the height of your elbow, sloping slightly downward, away from your body. In this position, your hands can remain in a relaxed even when reaching for the top keys.  An adjustable keyboard tray allows the user to customize the keyboard height and angle. This can maximize your comfort and extend your productivity over a full day’s work.

Although you rarely have the opportunity to choose all the details of your work environment, there are a few important adjustments you can make to almost any work space. Taking the time to customize your desk into an ergonomic workstation can help you create a more productive and comfortable work experience.

Filed under: Category Uncategorized | Tags: document holder,ergonomic desk,ergonomic workstation,keyboard tray,monitor riser,productivity by emily
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During frequent computer use, a neutral body position is one of the most important factors in lowering muscle strain and preventing injury. Mini keyboards are ergonomically designed to provide comfort and minimize muscle strain in order for a keyboard user to perform his/her job without pain or injury.  Here are some of the beneficial features of mini keyboards.

Compact Design

The compact design of mini keyboards reduces the amount of effort and muscle use required for each key stroke. The keys themselves are closer together, thus eliminating the stretching and straining to reach the higher keys. The mini keyboard’s ergonomic design also allows the wrist and the hand to rest on the same surface, minimizing pressure on the wrist.

Built-in Mouse

The mini keyboard’s built-in touchpad eliminates the arm and wrist movement between the keyboard and mouse; that movement is a significant cause of strain on the shoulder and arm.  Removing the external mouse also lowers the pressure on the wrist and hand often caused by a standard mouse.

Flexible Positioning

The compact design and wireless flexibility of the mini keyboard allows the user to easily position the keyboard on any work surface and at any angle that will provide for the most comfort. Proper use can encourage a neutral arm and wrist position, thus lowering muscle strain.

Portable Design

With a separate keyboard, laptop user can also find a neutral hand position, and they can eliminate the stress on the upper body resulting from looking down at a laptop screen. This small keyboard is as easily portable as a laptop and its design allows for proper keyboard placement while not compromising screen height.

Ergonomically designed, mini keyboards can encourage neutral arm position and reduce wear on the muscles caused by poor posture. Through their flexible and portable design, everyone can benefit from the good posture and lower muscle effort encouraged by the proper positioning of a compact, mini keyboard.

Filed under: Category Business, Health, Home Business | Tags: ergonomic keyboard,laptop ergonomics,laptop positions,mini keyboard by emily
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