Laptop Ergonomics on the Go
While traveling, we cannot take our monitors, keyboards or other office equipment with us. Most make do with only their laptops. Maybe it works well for some, but it didn't work for me, leading to neck pain after only a few minutes due to needing to look down.
As I stacked some books under my laptop to lift the monitor up, the keyboard would also be raised, leading to wrist discomfort.
I did some research. Craning your neck down can spiral into what’s commonly termed “tech neck” – a forward-leaning neck posture leading to strain and discomfort. It’s more than just an ache; it’s a gateway to chronic health issues. Consider this: research from the Surgical Technology International journal suggests that looking down at a screen can exert up to 60 pounds of force on your neck. This is a health hazard, not merely an inconvenience. [1]
Rising Above
Drawing from my own journey towards better health, I've learned the value of elevating the screen to eye level. I've started traveling with a portable monitor and a stand to elevate it. This way, I can keep my laptop at a comfortable level for my wrists, and my screen at a comfortable level for my neck.
It needs to be something light and portable you'd actually take with you on your adventures. It’s not just about comfort; comfort is health. It’s about avoiding musculoskeletal problems.
The Mayo Clinic advises that the top of your monitor should align with or be slightly below eye level [2]. Personally, I feel better when the monitor is even higher. This simple adjustment can be a backbone (get it?) of spinal health, especially when you’re embracing the outdoors as your office.
Investing in Health, One Stand at a Time
At Volgia, we see investing in a portable monitor stand as a pledge to your health. It’s a decision that goes beyond convenience, right into the realm of proactive health care.
To learn more about our EyeLeveler system for raising portable monitors, see this page.
So, here’s to making every workspace, whether it’s a cozy corner of your home, a bustling café, or a tranquil beach, a place where you can fulfill your potential in comfort.
Cheers,
Andrew Apollonsky
Sources:
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169