Desk hacks: innovative ways to make your work environment more comfortable
Jo Whiley and Simon Mayo both started a new job this week, combining their resources to present three hours of solid entertainment on BBC Radio 2 every weekday evening. And as part of their opening show, they asked listeners for their best life hacks for the first week in a new place of employment.
5 essential new job hacks
Jo and Simon countdown listeners' top 5 hacks for surviving the first day in a new job.
With that sage advice still ringing in our minds, here's a series of hacks for making your working environment a more comfortable place to be, whether you've just started or need to spruce things up a bit.
Put your laptop on a stand
If you're going to be working for long periods hunched over a laptop, it's quite important you get your screen up to eye level. This will allow your back to straighten and your posture to attain some degree of normalcy. To that end, consider getting a USB keyboard and a laptop stand, or make a pile of books and pop the laptop on top (assuming it won't get too hot and create a fire risk). Your best position is to have the screen about 20 inches away from where your face when sitting up. For extra swank, get an extra monitor and go split-screen.
Always keep a supply of bulldog clips handy
The humble bulldog clip - or binder clip - can be put to a multitude of useful purposes. If you have a broken foot on your keyboard, the metal clips can be put into service as a temporary replacement. If you have headphones and a pinboard behind your monitor, you can pin a clip up and create a headphone hook, to keep them out of the way until needed. You can unfold one side and lay a clip on the desk as an impromptu smartphone stand. You can use the clip to hold your charger cables on the edge of your desk until needed, or roll your earphone cable around the arms so they can be tucked away. And best of all, when you're bored you can clip a few along your arms and pretend to be a stegosaurus.
Paperclips are your lunchtime friends
Paperclips are nearly as adaptable as bulldog clips, and not just for cleaning gunk out of your earbuds. Should you be in the unfortunate position of having made a packed lunch that requires a fork, or bought one, but all the office forks are gross and you've no time to do all the washing up, why not do what Paul Donovan did and make your own paperclip fork, with a pen, three paperclips and some sticky-backed plastic.
Bring out the fairy lights
Sitting under fluorescent lighting isn't great for the eyes, nor is leaving your computer screen to illuminate the dark shadows of your desk, and if the eyes are straining to cope, that can lead to headaches. So if your desk is not blessed with natural light, it's a good idea to get hold of a lamp. An anglepoise desktop affair is good, but for an extra comfortable touch - assuming you have the room - why not try something a bit nicer - a lamp with a full spectrum bulb (for that touch of sunshine) - or even a string of fairy lights?
Stop hammering your keypad
In times of stress and panic, it can be easy to fall into the habit of pounding the keys on your keypad like a tiny game of whack-a-mole. If possible, don't do this, as the repetitive battering increases the risk of straining your fingers. In fact, it's a good idea to pay close attention to what is going on with your hands, whether they're stiff or achy, or uncomfortable. If you don't keep your wrists fairly straight while typing, consider getting a wrist rest to hold them in the right position and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
Look after your back
Even if your monitor is at the right height, you'll need to support the curvature of your back. Setting the height of your chair is key, and it's worth considering a footrest too, so that your lap is properly horizontal, there's a proper blood supply to your legs and your back is aligned. But you can also purchase lumbar supports made of memory foam to maintain the sweep of your spine. If you don't have one, and are starting to feel a twinge, try rolling a towel and tucking it into the lumbar curve.
Decorate your space
If you're hard at it, it can be difficult to remember there's a whole world outside of work in which there is less stress and a lot more fun. Keep little reminders of this within sight, either seashells or pebbles, or perhaps a small plant of some kind. And maybe think about decorating the walls around your desk with pictures that inspire or stimulate you to keep going. If you're stuck in a small area, a mirror might make things look a little more spacious, just make sure you don't put it anywhere where you can see your own reflection, no one wants that.
Like us on Facebook, on Instagram at bbcradio2, or follow us on Twitter @BBCRadio2
