Unlike our desktops, laptops are highly portable, allowing users to easily move from place to place while maintaining a connection to work or home. As such, it is one of the key tools found in most people’s everyday carry. However, as portable as it may be, the rule of ergonomics must still be followed. How you position and utilise your laptop does put a certain amount of stress on your back and neck.
Hence, this article will share some ergonomic practices you might want to consider when using your laptops.
Tip #1: Do not place it on your lap
While it is called a laptop, you may want to think twice about putting it on your lap. The position of putting it on your lap is not ergonomically pleasing and often leads the user to resort to slouching or bending forward to view the screen. An extended period of being in those positions places huge pressure on the cervical spine. If you do not have access to a table, you might want to find something to elevate your laptop to eye level, for example, your laptop bag. In addition, leaving your laptop on your lap for a prolonged period might also result in second or third-degree burns to your thighs.
Tip #2: Laptop at eye-level
Continuing on from the previous point, like using a desktop monitor, your laptop must be elevated and angled to a comfortable level that does not require you to rotate or bend your neck. Accessories such as a laptop riser or stand can help you achieve a comfortable height and angle that is ergonomically friendly. If space is limited on your desk, you may also purchase a monitor arm and attach a laptop tray to it, which leads us to the next point.
Tip #3: Using a separate keyboard, mouse, or monitor
If your laptop is your main working tool, you might want to consider adding two essential devices to your work set-up: An external mouse and keyboard, as well as a larger monitor. Most laptops’ screens are big enough for healthy viewing, which often leads users to bend forward to view the content. With the external devices, it encourages users to adopt a much more comfortable and healthier sitting position. TakeAseat offers ergonomically friendly mice and keyboards if you are considering adding them to your laptop.
Tip #4: Sit straight with your feet firmly planted on the ground
You need to sit straight and ensure that your feet are flat on the ground. Often, we find ourselves either too high or too low and have to compromise on either factor. This often means that we are not using the right chair. Getting an ergonomic office mesh chair can help achieve the ideal ergonomics. With fully adjustable parts, you can adjust your chair to fit your body properly, providing you with a “uniquely you” comfort.
Tip #5: Stand up
Getting an ergonomically-friendly office chair does not mean the end of all back pains and neck aches. If you are going to remain seated for a prolonged period, it still is not the healthiest work practice. Always try to spend at least two hours a day standing while working. Some tools and devices that encourage proper ergonomics even while standing are a sit-stand desk which allows users to adjust the height of the desk with the push of a button, or a sit-stand desk converter that allows users to elevate their laptop to eye level while they are standing up without the need to get rid of their current desk.
Conclusion
It is important that when we work, we always keep in mind healthy ergonomic practices. We might not appreciate the benefits immediately, but in the long run, we will be glad that we adopted good ergonomics practices. If you depend heavily on your laptop for work and want to improve the ergonomics of using it, then do consider the wide selection of ergonomic solutions that TakeAseat offers. Head down to any of our showrooms and find out for yourself which product best suits your needs.
