As an internet marketer, you undoubtedly spend the majority of your time at your computer. After all, the title itself that you carry implies computer time. From researching to implementing your findings, you probably stare at your screen and tap on your keyboard constantly. I know, because as a full-time writer myself I rarely get a respite.
As someone who uses my laptop on a regular basis I sometimes suffer from pains and discomforts that make it hard to get any work done. If it’s not the glare on the screen then it’s the position of my neck giving me trouble. I love my laptop but it’s not the most comfortably designed device out there.
While I complained quite a bit about the headaches, backaches, and wrist pains that I was getting I didn’t realize that frequent computer use could lead to serious problems. I was intent on finding lower back pain relief instead of actually trying to figure out how to avoid the pain to begin with.
Simple Changes Mean Less Pain
Luckily, I stumbled upon Tamara James of Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety’s ergonomics division’s video “Ergonomics important when using laptops”. I had heard the term “ergonomic” before but wasn’t sure how it applied to me or my laptop. I did know, however, that I wasn’t being as productive as I should be.
As an internet marketer, your livelihood depends on your ability to work at a quick pace and keep up with current trends. It’s not easy to take time off and when you’re in pain, if you’re anything like me, you’re not being as productive as you could be. There’s nothing worse than wanting to work but not being able to because you feel uncomfortable.
I have managed to be able to use some of Tamara James’ tips and implement them into my own work routine. The concept of an ergonomic workspace is a good one because if there’s one thing I like to be it’s comfortable and if there’s another thing I need to be it’s productive.
The fact is, laptops are not designed to be ergonomically friendly. While they are convenient with their attached monitors, the closeness of the keyboard to the monitor makes it hard on your wrists, elbows, and shoulders. This can lead to cramping, stiffness, and pain. If you add a portable keyboard or a mouse to your laptop, however, some of the pressure can be alleviated.
In addition, placing your laptop on your lap might cause you to look down at an awkward angle, thus straining your neck and causing complications. On a desktop, however, it can cause you to tile your head at an uncomfortable upwards angle and that can also cause pain. Adjusting the monitor so that the top of the monitor is level with the top of your head will help with these discomforts.
It’s easier said than done, but finding something supportive to your back is imperative. Sinking into a soft surface, like a couch, might be comfortable for awhile but it’s hard on your posture-especially if you sit like that for hours at a time like I do. Try sitting in a chair or putting something firm behind you. If nothing else, at least mix it up a little bit.
You might not think that productivity has anything to do with comfort level but it does. Over time, you can even cause serious damage to your shoulders and neck. You definitely won’t be able to get any work done if this occurs. By using an ergonomic approach to your workspace, however, you can feel a lot better physically and get more work accomplished at the same time. Internet marketing trends might change every week but your health is there with you for life so taking care of it needs to be a priority.