Improving your posture while working on your laptop
These days, almost everyone works on a laptop, computer or mobile daily. These devices are, yes, undoubtedly convenient, but working on them also has its drawbacks, a key one being posture issues. If you frequently experience physical discomfort after a day of work, it’s essential to look at your posture and start correcting it. In this article, we will tell you how to do that.
RSI complaints
Working on a laptop or PC has become nearly unavoidable. Although this convenient and fast way of working has advantages, there are also disadvantages to working on a computer. The chance is that you work at the same desk every day, which could lead to repetitive strain injury (RSI) complaints. RSI complaints are a collective term for the issues that arise from repetitive movements.
These complaints typically occur in your arms, hands, shoulders, neck, and back. It usually starts with minor discomfort that you think will go away quickly. However, it becomes evident that if you continue with the same movements, the problem only worsens. Fortunately, you can prevent this by simply improving your posture. Below, we have listed some tips on how to do that.
How to improve your posture while working
- Try to maintain the correct distance between the screen and your face. It is advisable to sit approximately 50 to 60 centimetres away from your screen. Using a laptop stand is helpful as it automatically adjusts the viewing height of your laptop.
- Ensure that you maintain a 90-degree angle for your arms and legs and set your chair at the correct height relative to your desk. This ensures your body is in a good posture that reduces RSI complaints.
- Sit in a relaxed posture and be mindful of it. Sometimes, when you’re working hard, you forget you’re sitting with excessive tension, which is unpleasant.
- Take occasional short breaks and step away from your screen, desk, and chair. Afterwards, you can resume your work with a proper posture. This should become a habit that you train yourself to do.
- Keep your feet firmly on the ground and forget about the “feet off the floor” motto. During work, keep both feet on the ground so you don’t develop any unusual back problems later on.
- Try swapping your desk chair with an exercise ball. This may sound like something you see in movies, where super-fit people refuse to sit on regular chairs. However, an exercise ball can genuinely improve your sitting posture. It helps you find your balance and allows you to adopt the right posture for your body.
