Being in the web field, we find ourselves spending countless hours in front of screens and sometimes in boxed up cubicles. Workspaces are like bedrooms for designers and developers alike, sometimes spending even more time in desk chairs than in bed. While this may be routine, there is plenty to consider when setting up a comfortable and healthy workspace.
ideals and our practices
The workspace is supposed to be a quiet, comfortable setting for you to focus on work and get it done without distractions. In many cases, workspaces are just the opposite.
If you’re like me, you have papers spread about, pencils and pens laying around, notes here and there, print outs, soda bottles, snacks, cell phones, keys, and anything else you can stuff about in your allocated desk space.
Ideally, you want a clutter-free desk with things sorted and structured so for the most part, they can stay out of your way except for when you really need to use them. If that’s already your setup, your about half way there to having a better work environment.
lighting
Working in the dark might get you imagination up there, but it certainly won’t be helping your eyes a whole lot. It’s never good to be working on computers in dim lighting, just like how it’s not very good to read in minimal light. You don’t want to find yourself squinting so make sure the workspace is lit up significantly. Try to keep monitors out of the way from windows you so don’t get hit with mean sun-glare or shadows.
monitor angle
Are you looking up or down to read this right now? You shouldn’t be. It’s important to have monitors at eye level, so you’re not straining your neck, back, and eyes by looking up or down throughout the day. You want your eyes to be even with the top 1/4 of the monitor. This means if you’re looking up, get a bigger chair or a lower desk.
refresh rate
Ever hear of a monitors screen refresh rate? almost everyone i know have no idea what refresh rates are. Refresh rates from a variety of levels known as hertz. If your monitor appears to be “flashing” or “pulsating”, it’s a good idea to try increasing the refresh rate. This can help eliminate eye strain and headaches. To change the refresh rate in windows, right click on the desktop, go down to properties, then head to the settings tab followed by advanced. Depending on your graphics card, you may have a deeper tab structure to go through, but it will be in that general area.
preventing carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal Tunnel is something no one wants to get, especially because using keyboards are so important to us. the leading cause of carpal tunnel is improper use of the keyboard and mouse, but it can be prevented. Changing the the way you type is one option, and another is moving around. Sitting at a desk for hours on end is never good. get up and stretch. Grab one of those handy stress balls and do some hand exercises to keep your hands and fingers relaxed and loose.
preventing back problems
make sure your posture is perfect when working all day long at a desk. Unless you want to be hunched over, sit straight with your back pressed firmly against the back of your chair. While you may feel like just slouching back in a big leather chair after a long day of coding, wait until the days work is done, because getting sloppy for a few hours will have negative effects on your posture.
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