Keeping Comfortable While at a Computer

People all over the world spend hours each day in front of their computers. Whether they use one for work, money management, recreation, shopping, gambling, etc, it is extremely necessary to maintain comfort. If you sit at a computer for 5 hours or more a day, wouldn't comfort be one of the first things on your mind? There are some general rules you should follow to maintain computer comfort and safety each day.

Computer Posture
When you are at home, it can be tempting to slouch in your chair while you surf the internet. However, this is not beneficial for your body. You should always sit directly in front of your computer with your feet flat on the floor. Your calf and thighs should be at a 90 degree angle from each other. Your forearms should also be at a 90 degree angle from your torso. Make sure to adjust the height of your computer screen if it is not directly in front of your eyes. You should not look down or up to your screen. This can cause neck strain over time.

Keyboard Level
The best place for your keyboard is below the desktop. This is why many computer desks come equipped with roll-out trays designed to hold keyboards. If your desk does not already have a special place for your keyboard, you can inexpensively purchase one at any computer or office store.

Computer Screen Distance
Traditionally, people are either near sighted, far sighted, or have 20/20 vision. A computer monitor normally sits about 2 feet away from the eyes of the user. This is considered mid-distance. Some folks have trouble seeing at mid-distances. If you notice you are having problems reading your computer screen, ask your ophthalmologist about special mid-distance glasses. Even folks who believe they have 20/20 vision can suffer from this problem.

Correct Computer Chair
Don't go out and buy the cheapest chair you can find for your computer desk. Remember, this will be a chair you spend a lot of time sitting in. Make sure you try it out to see if the lumbar area is properly supported. Also, a computer chair that has an adjustable height is beneficial because it allows more than one person to utilize the same chair.