Using your laptop in bed can be quite convenient. It’s not just a time-saver; it’s also useful when you’re dealing with a cold, flu, or back pain that makes it difficult to sit up straight at your desk in the office.
To use your laptop effectively in bed, however, you need to know how to set it up and use it properly so that you don’t strain your back or neck unnecessarily. The following guide will walk you through all the steps necessary to do this in the most comfortable way possible.
Laptop Position While In Bed
Placing your laptop directly on your bed is a big no-no for several reasons. Not only are you risking spilled coffee, crumbs, and other debris, but you also run into issues with screen glare and poor posture. Instead, try placing a pillow between your back and desk so that you can sit up at attention.
If you can’t bring yourself to place anything between you and that sexy mattress you love so much, purchase an anti-glare screen protector. It will take away some of that reflective shine from lights outside your window or even from overhead light fixtures.
Also, if you do want to be able to prop up your computer in your lap (i.e., reading emails), make sure that it’s centered over one leg rather than two; again, too much weight distribution puts strain on both shoulders not good!
And lastly: Make sure you have an ergonomic mouse. Those clicky models put lots of pressure on our wrists and palms when we use them while seated or lying down especially since most people tend to grip them tighter when they’re reclining. For best results: opt for a cordless model!
A Stand For The Laptop
The first thing you want to do is get a stand that props up your laptop at eye level. Try one like Twelve South’s HiRise ($30).
This should keep your neck and eyes properly aligned when working. If you don’t have a laptop stand, try propping your computer up on a book or stack of papers.
However, don’t just set your computer on a pillow that can cause all sorts of issues with keyboard typing and possibly even strain your wrists.
Instead, use something that won’t shift around like an ottoman or stack of books. Be sure not to work on your bed; instead, find an area on the floor where you can spread out.
Positioning yourself too close to the edge of your bed will only increase unnecessary stress on your body.
Once everything is stable, make sure there isn’t anything too bright nearby such as street lights or light from outside coming through a window near your workspace.
Bright lights can create glare which makes concentrating difficult. They also shift circadian rhythms and interfere with sleep patterns, neither of which you’ll be wanting if looking for ways to improve health while using a laptop in bed!
Finally, position yourself in a way that minimizes craning forward over your laptop screen (which strains neck muscles), and remember to take breaks periodically so as not to overtax either wrist from excessive typing!
Monitor Distance From Eyes
You must keep your computer monitor at a distance where you can still see clearly. If you keep your monitor too close or too far away, there’s a chance that you’ll develop a condition called laptop neck.
Studies have shown that people tend to sit closer to their monitors than they would otherwise sit in front of a desktop computer and that sitting closer increases strains on neck muscles and increases pressure on spinal discs.
To protect yourself from neck problems related to laptop use, maintain an appropriate distance between your eyes and your screen: According to Microsoft, the optimal distance is 17 inches (43 centimeters).
This will put less strain on your upper body and reduce muscular fatigue over time. If you find yourself having trouble seeing something because your laptop is too small, try increasing the font size.
You can also print documents if you find them hard to read onscreen. Other ergonomic options include rotating your laptop display into portrait orientation so that documents take up more vertical space rather than horizontal space; extending or tilting your laptop display with adjustable stands; and using larger mouse pads.
Taking Regular Breaks
You’ve probably heard over and over again that you should take regular breaks while working on your laptop and that’s because it’s true.
Your body needs movement, especially when you’re seated for long periods. Experts recommend taking a break every 30 minutes just get up and move around.
Even if you only walk around your desk, that’s still better than nothing! And remember to always maintain good posture.
No slouching! (Hey, no judging.) So next time you’re sitting down for a lengthy session, remember these tips; they’ll help your body stay limber! Good luck and happy typing!