It’s hard to believe but how you mouse really does affect your health.  If you think about how often you use your mouse, it’s no wonder.  You can hardly check an email without using it.  Since mousing is an integral part of our daily lives, here are a few tips to make the most of your movements and to be as comfortable as possible.

Mousing Tips

• Keep your mouse directly next to your keyboard.  This is the most important factor in mousing.
• Mouse with your arm and not your hand.  Rather than forcing the mousing movements with your hand and fingers, project the force form your entire arm.  Imagine doing sit-ups.  You’re supposed to sit up with your abdominal muscles, not your back or legs.  If you use your back or legs, you don’t get the benefit of the workout and end up even injuring yourself.  The same is true of mousing.  It’s essential to your health that you mouse with your arm instead of your hand.
• Consider an ergonomic mouse.  Even if you have a touchpad or standard mouse, it might be wise to find a mouse that fits your own hand.  There are many to choose from, such as the Evoluent, the Contour, and the Aerobic Mouse. Each mouse has its own advantages, and it’s important to find the one that fits your hand and needs best.  To determine which ergonomic mouse is best, ask yourself how often you use your mouse and what you use it for.  The answers will guide you through your search.  For example, the Contour Mouse offers multiple sizes, whereas the Aerobic Mouse keeps your hand neutrally positioned and the Evoluent places your hand sideways.  All 3 mice offer left or right-handed models for maximum fit and comfort.
• When using a laptop, it’s best to dock it when possible.   By working at a desk, you have a solid surface for your laptop and your mouse, which you now know are important to keep side by side.

Whichever mouse you choose and how you use it will determine your well-being and comfort as you work from your computer.