How to Make Your Home Computer Ergonomic?

If you are one of the many Colorado Springs residents who working from home, then making your home computer ergonomic should be a top priority.

While working in a traditional office environment might have instilled discipline in your posture, arm and foot position, and monitor height, you probably recently eradicated the discipline and proper ergonomics.

Is It Necessary to Make Your Home Computer Ergonomic?

In the US, millions of people suffer from WMSD (Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders) such as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome every year. The cause for the disorder is due to people who do not adjust their computer workstations ergonomically. It scientifically proven that ergonomic workstations prevent these physical ailments and improve your focus.

Keep reading for our best suggestions to make your home computer more ergonomic.

Multiple Factors to Make Your Home Computer Ergonomic

As you explore the options for making your home computer ergonomic, the first step is to consider your height, limbs and eyesight. The ideal ergonomic positions for you will not only be physiologically more comfortable but will also affect you psychologically and focus-wise.

As you review our suggestions for home computer ergonomics, keep in mind that some recommended changes are easy to adopt, but others might take slightly more effort. The main purpose here, is to help you make the most of your computer without any physical problems.

Desk

Your desk should have enough space to comfortably place your knees, feet, and thighs. With a congested space under the desk, you will be unable to place your legs properly when you move forward towards the computer. If your desk is too high, consider raising your chair. If the table is too low, you can place small and equal-sized blocks under each leg of the desk. Place enough blocks underneath the table to increase its height while maintaining stability.  Avoid storing items under the desk which may make you uncomfortable when you try to place your legs underneath.

Chair

A spine-supporting and ergonomic chair is not difficult to come across. Find a chair that doesn’t leave an area of your spinal curve unsupported and a seat that extends to just before your bent knees. Make sure the armrests are parallel to the desk, which means that you won’t have to flex or move your shoulders excessively when using your computer.

Display Screen (LCD or any other)

The LCD should be directly in front of you at about an arm’s length away. Make sure the screen is facing you at eye level or marginally below. If you wear bifocals, lower the height of the LCD or any other display by an additional 1-2 inches. To prevent eye strain from long hours on a computer, adjust the brightness level of your screen or the font size.

Peripherals (Mouse and Keyboard)

Place the mouse and keyboard at a length where you can easily reach them without excessive effort. To make your home computer ergonomic, keep your wrists straight with your arms near the body. Your hands can be slightly below your elbow level.

To avoid using too much energy or switching use from keyboard to mouse, set some keyboard shortcuts on your computer for faster usage. Many keyboard shortcuts are already built into your computer operating system. If you need a list of what shortcuts your keyboard features, a simple Google search for “Keyboard Shortcuts” and your operating system (i.e., Windows 10, Mac, etc.) should yield good results.

Keep all the other stationery and equipment like near you to avoid over-extending to reach them. To make your home computer ergonomic, try to keep all the peripherals at arm’s length so you don’t have to avoid aggressive movement.

Footrest

Proper ergonomics requires that your feet rest flat on the floor. Individuals of a petite stature know that a footrest can be a godsend when your desk is tall. A small box can provide the ergonomic stability you need.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your home computer is ergonomic is the first step, to being productive while working from home. Next you will want to find a computer that works perfectly for your specific needs. DML Computer Repair in Colorado Springs can help you with custom-build computers, virus and malware removal, desktop and laptop repairs, and other computer services. As a local, family-owned business, we take pride in giving our Colorado Springs neighbors the best tech advice, and computer repair service available. Contact us today for a free diagnostic, and see for yourself why our clients become our friends.