How to Get More Out of Your Laptop
We all love our laptops, but they do have their downsides. While wonderfully compact and mobile, laptops are not ergonomically ideal, which takes a certain toll on your body.
Problem #1: Sore neck, shoulders and back
It’s typical to assume that sore muscles are part and parcel to working at a desk. That may be true but only because of poor posture. With a laptop, you usually look down to see the screen, which means a bent neck and poor line of sight. Similarly, your keyboard might be too high when on a desktop, which does not allow for a natural typing position.
Solution #1: For best comfort, the keyboard should rest just below the height of your elbows and your monitor should at eye-level directly in front of you. The best solution is to use a mini keyboard, which is small and portable; a separate keyboard allows you to place it on any surface for the best hand position while not compromising your monitor height.
Problem#2: Headaches and eyestrain
Because of dropping your line of sight, your bend your neck, thus inviting neck soreness. Additionally, you are at risk of eye strain.
Solution #2: The perfect placement for any monitor, laptop or otherwise, is at eye-level and a full arm’s length away from your body. This usually means docking your laptop on a raised surface with the aid of a monitor lift. Be intentional about developing a habit of looking away and refocusing your eyes. About every ten minutes or so, stop your work and look at something in the distance, about 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. This will allow your eyes the chance to refocus. Also, every hour or so just close your eyes and relax.
Problem #3: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Typing at a weird angle and/or cocking your wrists is a path straight to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Solution #3: Correcting your posture, as mentioned above, is the first solution in reversing and preventing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Next to body posture, you need to maintain correct hand position. Your hands should lightly hover over the keys while you are typing. Between keystrokes, you can rest on the ball of your hand, but never put weight on your wrists. And always keep your hands and fingers curved. Try using a curved, ergonomic keyboard that better supports good hand posture.
Laptops have great benefits, especially for people who often work from a variety of locations, but they also can lead to pain and discomfort, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, with long-term use. Try these quick, easy solutions to treat and prevent some of the most common laptop issues.