2008 Woodie Awards
Five steps to healthy computing during finals
By: Courtney Hime
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
With last minute papers and projects occupying the final two weeks of school, everyone is on the go, and most likely, glued to their laptops. Since students are spending more time with their computers than with their friends, there are several opportunities for students to add unnecessary physical stress to their already hectic weeks. Here are ways to lessen the strain for all areas of the body.
1. Neck. Do your best to avoid straining your neck. Angle the screen of your laptop so that it may be viewed without having to bend or rotate the neck. Maintain a comfortable viewing distance from the screen. Ideally, try to be 20 to 30 inches away from the screen. If possible, elevate your laptop so the screen is at or slightly below eye level.
2. Eyes. Position your laptop screen to avoid glare or reflections from overhead lighting, outside sources of light or even reflections off of your own shirt. Consider turning off some overhead lights. Keep your display screen clean and set the contrast and brightness to levels that allow you to see the screen clearly.
3. Arms. Keep your forearms, wrists and hands in a relaxed, neutral position. Keep your elbows close to your body as you type, and try an adjustable chair to help with height of the work surface. Though it's not always possible, using an external mouse and keyboard will allow your arms to sit comfortably.
4. Back. Use a chair that provides good lower back support. Use a pillow, rolled-up towel or other soft object against the back of your chair to assist in the support of the lower back. Not only will sitting up straight keep your posture in check, but it could also help keep you awake during those long nights at the library.
5. Legs. As tempting as it is to curl up in a chair and work, it's much healthier to keep your thighs parallel to the floor. To make this easier, put your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. It's also important to get up and walk around during your study sessions. Short walks to the vending machine or Café Roy can keep you awake and comfortable.
There are other ways to reduce the amount of strain that studying can take on your body. Be sure, when carrying your laptop across campus, to minimize the weight. Do not carry extra unimportant devices everywhere you go. Think about how you intend to use the laptop before you leave and then only carry the necessary items. Invest in a backpack, rather than a large purse, to put an equal amount of weight on both shoulders. Remember to take frequent breaks to avoid putting too much stress on your body, and to keep you from becoming catatonic.
1. Neck. Do your best to avoid straining your neck. Angle the screen of your laptop so that it may be viewed without having to bend or rotate the neck. Maintain a comfortable viewing distance from the screen. Ideally, try to be 20 to 30 inches away from the screen. If possible, elevate your laptop so the screen is at or slightly below eye level.
2. Eyes. Position your laptop screen to avoid glare or reflections from overhead lighting, outside sources of light or even reflections off of your own shirt. Consider turning off some overhead lights. Keep your display screen clean and set the contrast and brightness to levels that allow you to see the screen clearly.
3. Arms. Keep your forearms, wrists and hands in a relaxed, neutral position. Keep your elbows close to your body as you type, and try an adjustable chair to help with height of the work surface. Though it's not always possible, using an external mouse and keyboard will allow your arms to sit comfortably.
4. Back. Use a chair that provides good lower back support. Use a pillow, rolled-up towel or other soft object against the back of your chair to assist in the support of the lower back. Not only will sitting up straight keep your posture in check, but it could also help keep you awake during those long nights at the library.
5. Legs. As tempting as it is to curl up in a chair and work, it's much healthier to keep your thighs parallel to the floor. To make this easier, put your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. It's also important to get up and walk around during your study sessions. Short walks to the vending machine or Café Roy can keep you awake and comfortable.
There are other ways to reduce the amount of strain that studying can take on your body. Be sure, when carrying your laptop across campus, to minimize the weight. Do not carry extra unimportant devices everywhere you go. Think about how you intend to use the laptop before you leave and then only carry the necessary items. Invest in a backpack, rather than a large purse, to put an equal amount of weight on both shoulders. Remember to take frequent breaks to avoid putting too much stress on your body, and to keep you from becoming catatonic.
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