Ergonomics

 

Let me begin by describing the writer’s meme - and by all accounts it is a meme, particularly for fiction writers. 

You sit in front of a computer for blocks of hours, but you’re not really "present".  Your body is there in front of your computer, but your attention, your vision, your emotions - are carrying on in a world inside your head.  This world is the place where your characters reside.  There’s a time warp that’s almost indescribable.  You feel as though you’ve been writing for 30 minutes but the clock shows you’ve been at it for hours.  Quite often, the only thing that pulls you out of this world is a numbing in the wrist or a sharp pain in the back.   

Enter the benefits of ergonomics for writers.  ANYTHING that helps you stay in "that world" is a good thing.  That world is where you are at your best.  In that world you are not creating, you are an observer…a journalist.  Your character’s thoughts, feelings, actions and dialogue are coming through you, and the keyboard and onto your computer screen.  The longer you stay in that world, the better writer you become (remember my article on Outliers?). 

So often when purchasing computer equipment, ergonomics is considered an afterthought - and ergonomic mice – well they are like the "after” gadget.  Just like the backup hard drive "after" your system has already crashed.  Or the protective eyewear "after" you’ve scratched your cornea.  Or the brain bucket “after” you have spilled your brains on the asphalt.  I have been using the ergonomic mice described below for over a month, and I realize the mindset surrounding ergonomic mice should not be an “after”thought at all.  They should be more reflective of seatbelts. What I mean by this is, “Would you buy a new car that didn’t come with seatbelts as standard equipment?”  Heck no!  

[click to continue...]

Embody by Herman Miller

One of our most popular articles has just received an update.  Click here to find more ergonomic chairs to help increase your productivity, as well as updated links and a peek at the all new Embody chair by Herman Miller.  

Grahl Synchron 5

UPDATE: Videos - Best Ergonomic Chairs for Writers 

UPDATE 2: Refreshed Article December 5th 2008 with better links and more chairs. Plus, check out the all new Embody chair by Herman Miller.

This article has become so popular that we are going to continue to update it and post the updated links on the Home page, linking back to the original article. Godspeed in your search for the perfect chair!

————–

Every writer should invest in two things – good computer equipment and a great chair.  Forget the desk. A desk just holds stuff.  I don’t care if you use two barrels and slab of oak to create a desk. As long as the height is conducive to your body type. 

It’s 2008 and people find themselves sitting in front of a computer all day long, including writers. Unfortunately, proper seating can be the last thing writers think about.  You pick the cheapest or the prettiest chair from your local IKEA or office supply store and you live to regret it.  Invest in your health and give your body the proper support it needs to create that blockbuster!

Things to consider when buying a chair:

• Free range of adjustable motion (height, seat, back, arms)
• Upper and lower lumbar support (executive series)
• Adjustable headrest
• Durable material (it’s a long-term investment)

[click to continue...]