In April I posted ideas in regard to Deskercising your way to writing productivity. Today we’ll talk about complimenting Deskercising with workstation ergonomics. As authors, we tend to ground ourselves to our workstations; working frantically to meet deadlines and/or word-count goals. That said, I’d like to share a few tips I’ve read about recently in regard to proper workstation ergonomics. These tips should not only help to contribute to your productivity, but contribute to your health as well.
Think of your workstation in terms of zones:
The You Zone: Posture in your chair is extremely important. Make sure your chair is adjusted so that your feet are placed flat on the floor, your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, and your arms lie flat on your desk. Additionally, adjust your backrest so that it always provides support to the curve of your lower back.
The Primary Use Zone: Identify this zone by sitting in your workstation chair and reaching your arms out in front of you and to the sides. This reachable space should house your frequently used supplies and current task items. Your monitor should be placed 18-24 inches away from you and at eye level. To avoid pain and tension on your arms and neck, make sure that when using your keyboard and mouse your upper arms are resting at your sides and your hands are level with your wrists.
The Secondary Use Zone: This is the area just beyond your Primary Use Zone. This area is where you should keep items that get regular use but don’t require immediate attention. Personally, I used to keep the cat’s treats in this zone, but have had to move them to the Primary Use Zone, in order to meet Sammie’s immediate needs.
The Infrequent Use Zone: This is the area just beyond the Secondary Use Zone and used to house items used rarely. Items you might keep here, if no room in the primary or secondary zones would be trays or files you don’t use very often.
I’m certainly no expert in the area if workstation ergonomics but what I can tell you is that since I’ve started utilizing the aforementioned tips I feel better while at my workstation.
One last thing, even though your workstation may be set up in the most perfect ergonomically correct way it is still a good idea to give your eyes an occasional rest from the computer screen, and get up on occasion to stretch your arms, legs, hands and neck. Keeping yourself comfortable, rested, and free from the stiffness that comes from sitting stationary too long, should contribute to your writing creativity and productivity.
Feel free to post any other tips you may have!
So, what you’re saying is, sitting on my couch in the recline position with my feet up and laptop on my lap is probably not the best idea ergonomically 😉
Good tips!
LOL, Caroline. It’s probably not the best idea but I bet we are all guilty of it. Thanks for stopping by.
Great post Val! I was guilty of slouching at the computer desk for years and I paid the price. But tips like yours are good advice for avoiding future back pain. Thanks for sharing!!
Tim.
It’s so easy to get side-tracked and forget about posture, and slip into a slouch when we are working at our desks.
Thanks for stopping by!
There are many times it is hard for me to center my thoughts and find myself fidgeting. Great blog!
Thanks, Valerie!
Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog, Kay. 🙂