Working from home using a laptop and a kitchen chair!
As we isolate through the COVID-19 crisis, many of us find ourselves working from home with less than ideal workstations. So we wanted to share our expertise with you to create a more comfortable workstation using the tools you have at home.
The first rule of laptops is to try not to use them on your lap!
Sitting on the sofa, with a laptop on your knee is likely to quickly become uncomfortable. is a common cause of pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder, arm, hand and the lower back. (THE HEAT A LAPTOP GENERATES CAN CAUSE AN INJURY)
If possible, use your laptop on a table.
If you have a separate keyboard and mouse, then raise the laptop up on some books or a small box so the screen is at eye level.
If you are not a touch typist, put the screen a bit lower, to avoid moving your head up and down so much.
Position your laptop so you can still sit back in your chair with your arms resting on the tabletop.
If this does not feel comfortable, try bringing the laptop closer to you so just your hands are on the keyboard with your elbows slightly lower than the desk, to do this you may need to sit a bit lower down. However if you feel too low, raise the laptop up a little on some books or a very thin box.
If you don’t have a separate keyboard and mouse, tilt the back of the laptop up slightly. Enough to raise the screen without making the keyboard too high and putting strain on your wrists. You might find you are more comfortable bringing your laptop closer to you and if necessary and possible sitting a bit lower.
Adapting your kitchen or dining room chair and your sitting posture:
Make the chair as comfortable as possible.
Chairs with hard seats need cushions!
Sit with your back touching the backrest of the chair.
If the back is hard you could try putting a pillow vertically behind you.
Bring the chair close to the table so you don’t have to lean forward
If you have no other option but to use the laptop on your lap. Then place the laptop on your laptop bag or a cushion (NOT DIRECTLY ON YOUR LAP - THE HEAT A LAPTOP GENERATES CAN CAUSE AN INJURY). Support your arms with pillows under the elbows. This allows the weight of your neck and shoulders to be taken up by the pillows and will take some of the strain off your neck and shoulder muscles.
Read our other blogs written to create a healthier working environment at home to help you during the COVID-19 crisis. For further help or a private consultation email Grant and Penny at admin@activechiropracticjersey.co.uk