The Value of an Ergonomic Keyboard Tray
Couch Potato
I work form home and frequently take advantage of my couch during my computer time. That’s the whole point of a lap top, right? As comfortable as leaning on my couch is in theory, ergonomically it is a nightmare! The screen is lower than eye level, which means I hang my head to properly see it. As the keyboard is attached to me screen, I am forced to angle awkwardly to get my hands on the keys, and even though I know better, I cock my wrists to maintain my couch/lap position. The result? Very sore wrists and achey forefingers and thumbs.
Ergonomic Solutions to Laptop-itis
The main solution is to dock your lap top whenever possible and certainly for longer periods of typing. A few minutes of shooting emails on the couch is fine, but for hours of real work, you really need to embrace good ergonomic posture. This means elevating your screen to eye level, sitting in an {ideally} ergonomic chair, and protecting your wrists and hands by investing in an ergonomic keyboard and ergonomic keyboard tray.
The Value of an Ergonomic Keyboard Tray
In addition to the above recommendations, I would like to high light one of my favorite ergonomic products: the ergonomic keyboard tray. There are so many reasons to try out a keyboard tray. The efficient side of my likes the fact that is is attached under the work surface, so it can easily be stowed when not in use, while not taking up valuable desk space. The practical, ergonomic side of me appreciates the design of a tray that both lowers the keyboard and allows the mouse to be placed right next to it. Lowering the keyboard and mouse, as well as putting them side by side, means that your arms slope downward from the elbow, which enables you keep your wrists neutral {ie not cocked or bent}. Neutral positioning is crucial in avoiding injury and preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Plus, there are some trays that angle in and of themselves, and we know that adjustability is key in achieving perfect ergonomic posture.
Even if you work on a lap top, investing in an ergonomic keyboard and ergonomic keyboard tray is a wise choice in achieving neutral positioning so you can avoid injury.