We use our laptops in many locations. Some watch movies in bed, on the floor, or lying across the sofa. Others browse the web at kitchen counters, café tables, or areas that aren’t comfortable. These positions aren’t ergonomic. You may have to slouch to view the screens or put yourself in awkward postures for a long time.
You should set your surroundings to maximize comfort while using the laptop. It involves a combination of ergonomic office accessories and best practices regarding posture. In addition, you should place your laptop at the correct distance. You shouldn’t have to strain your eyes, crane your neck, or lean over to type. These uncomfortable positions result in long-term aches and pains.
Here are the steps to make a laptop more comfortable and ergonomic.
Relax your posture
Set up a comfortable workstation by maintaining a strong and healthy posture. Start by holding a neutral position with the neck aligned to the spine. Likewise, your elbows should be kept close to the body and bent at a 90-degree or 120-degree angle. Keep your back relaxed and supported in your chair. Do not hunch or round your shoulders.
Don’t hold up your weight
When working at a laptop, you hold parts of your weight on the elbows, forearms, wrists, or palms. That is a bad practice. You’re leaning and creating contact stress, which wears down your body. It leads to other types of injury in the long term. If you want, consider a keyboard wrist pad to rest your wrists. This accessory helps avoid the hard pressing on the bones.
Don’t sit on a bar stool to use your laptop
You need back support while using the laptop. Sitting on a bar tool is terrible for your lower back and puts intense strain over extended periods. If you work like this, you’ll feel the stress and tension in the low-to-mid back within 30 minutes or less. It’s a terrible posture that goes against the best ergonomic practices.
Place the top of your laptop screen at eye level
The top of your laptop screen should be near eye level. This position maintains a neutral neck position. You may use a stand, riser, or stable support surface to lift your laptop’s positioning. Alternatively, adjust your office chair to achieve the optimal height.
Some laptops come with intuitive designs to optimize the viewing experience. The ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 Flip OLED offers a 360° ErgoLift hinge, allowing users to switch between multiple modes. You can view the device in laptop, tablet, stand, or tent mode. Each viewing position ensures you find the optimal angle for your ergonomic needs. Additionally, the ErgoLift hinge is torture-tested to ensure maximum durability.
Also Read: How to Take Screenshots on HP Laptop Windows 7/8/10
Put your laptop screen at an arm’s length
Are you having trouble seeing the text or visuals on your laptop? That may indicate you’ve put the device too far away. Close the distance between your body and your machine. As a rule, you shouldn’t put a laptop further away than arm’s length. A close distance protects your eyes and avoids eye strain.
Plant your feet firmly on the ground
Many laptop users do not place their feet firmly on the ground. That’s another common ergonomic mistake. You want to plant your feet on solid ground since it takes some stress off your back. In addition, it encourages optimal posture while typing. If your feet can’t tough the floor, consider getting an ergonomic footrest to set under the table.
Consider a height-adjustable desk
A height-adjustable desk is the biggest ergonomic office purchase you can make. This furniture will dynamically change your workstation setup, allowing you to sit or stand. Being able to adjust your position keeps you from experiencing the aches that come with prolonged sitting. It also keeps the body’s circulation moving.
Take breaks for your wrists
Every hour, rest your hands and wrists for a few minutes. You may fetch a glass of water, run to the bathroom, or get up and stretch your legs. Prolonged periods at a laptop can lead to wrist or hand pain. Moving is a way to prevent these injuries proactively.
Don’t use the laptop on your lap
Using a laptop on your lap may be okay for the short term. However, you’ll quickly feel strain in your neck if the usage exceeds longer than a minute. You may start compensating by hunching your shoulders forward, which puts pressure on the lower back. That’s how a lot of office workers end up with back pain.
A laptop in your lap is such an awkward height to put a screen. Instead, it’s always best to use your laptop on a flat surface. You want to minimize the likelihood of leaning over to use your device.
Avoid using your laptop on your couch or bed
For similar reasons, you shouldn’t use your laptop while lying down or sitting on your bed. This uncomfortable position can strain your neck, shoulders, or upper and lower back. You may be okay resting in this position for a few minutes. However, don’t keep this awkward posture for the long term. Instead, you should sit at a table when working or typing.
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