Looking after your back
when studying and using the computer

• The computer screen should be directly in front of you, slightly below eye level.



• The chair used at the computer should have a back-rest support that conforms to the curves in your back.



• Feet should be flat on the floor and hips, knees and elbows should be at a comfortable angle (around 90 degrees).

• Take short breaks every hour or so. Stand up and walk around or stretch. You should do this both when you are studying for long periods of time and when you are using a computer.



• Look away from the computer screen every 20 minutes and fix your sight on something away from the screen.



• Sit up as straight as possible in your chair. When first sitting down, push your bottom as far back in the chair as possible. This will help you keep your back straight when you sit up.

Using laptops

• Laptops were designed to be portable - they shouldn't be used for long periods.



• If you do need to use it for a while, link up to a full size keyboard so your hands aren't cramped.



• The top of the screen should be just below eye level. Ideally, plug the laptop in to a full size monitor.