3 Simple Accessories for More Comfortable Business Trips
Do you ever go on business trips for work? Or work at a “hotel” or shared desk at a remote office site?
When you’re using just a laptop, we generally recommend limiting the time spent on it to 30 minutes or less. When this is not an option – like when you’re travelling for work – then you’ll need to have a travel setup with you.
However, it doesn’t have to be heavy, and it doesn’t have to include a ton of stuff! A light-weight, low-cost travel setup can save you from a lot of discomfort, reduce ergonomic risk factors, and help you maintain a better posture.
Essential gear
For your travel setup – in addition to your laptop - there are two pieces of equipment that you MUST have – an external mouse and keyboard. If this is all that you want to carry, then – with a little creativity – it can absolutely be enough! A wireless, low cost keyboard and mouse can easily be found on Amazon; in fact, some keyboards and mice were even made with travel in mind!
Why do you need a keyboard and mouse? These input devices can be placed at elbow level and close to your body, which can reduce awkward postures of your shoulders and arms. This will free up the laptop, so that you can put it at eye level.
Another thing that you’ll need can be found in your environment – something to put your laptop on, in order to raise it to your eye level. This “something” can be a stack of books, printer paper, a firm cushion or pillow, your briefcase, your suitcase – it really doesn’t matter, as long as it gets the laptop to an improved viewing height. Raising your laptop so that your eye is level with the top can reduce awkward postures like looking down, craning the head forward, or even leaning forward with the whole body.
If you don’t want to rely on the “found objects” in your environment, then a travel laptop stand can be a really good idea. The Goldtouch Go! Laptop Stand is made of composite resin, folds up flat, weighs in at 1 pound, and costs around $40 on Amazon. This way, you’re not leaving anything to chance; you’ll have everything that you need with you.
Adjusting your setup
Keep in mind that the height of most standard desks and tables (29”), is too high for 90% of us. If you have an adjustable chair in your hotel room, then raise it until your elbows are level with the desk or table. If the chair in your hotel room is not adjustable, a good workaround is to put a pillow in the chair to raise yourself up higher.
Then, as your feet will likely be floating at this point, turn your trashcan on its side - or find something else that you’re comfortable using - and use it as a footrest, for a base of support. Next, you’ll place your travel keyboard and mouse on the desk, at elbow height, and set your laptop up at eye height.
So, there you have it. To make your travelling setup more ergonomic, take the time to adjust your furniture as much as possible, and consider these three items:
· Travel keyboard
· Travel mouse
· Laptop stand
Just remember, if you opt not to travel with a laptop stand, you’ll need to find some other item to place your laptop at eye level. And if the furniture you’re using isn’t adjustable, you may have to get a little creative with other things in your environment.
Want to learn more about setting yourself up correctly, in any environment? Reach out at any time; we’re glad to help. We have online courses, virtual evaluations, and in-person evaluations, and can help you choose the option that works best for you!
And check out our “Travel Setup” video on YouTube, where I’ll take you through a quick run-through of setting up your keyboard, mouse, and laptop stand.
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