Physical forces continuously interact with our bodies.  We may only think of high-impact forces, such as car crashes, as injuring our bodies.  However, low forces may also result in injuries, discomfort, and fatigue if they are repeated or experienced over long periods of time.

Consider the following suggestions to reduce the effects of low forces on your body:

 Type with a light touch, keeping your hands and fingers relaxed, as it takes little effort to activate keyboard keys.  Also, use a light touch when clicking a mouse button or when using a joystick or other gaming controller.

 Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any type of surface while typing.  The palm rest, if provided, should only be used during breaks from typing.

 Relax your arms and hands when you are not typing.  Do not rest on edges, such as the edge of your desk.

 Hold the mouse with a relaxed hand.  Do not grip the mouse tightly. Adjust your chair so the seat does not press into the back of your knees.

Consider the following types of low forces:

Dynamic force, or a force that you exert through movement.  For example, pressing the keys while typing or clicking the mouse buttons.

Static force, or a force that you maintain for a period of time.  For example, holding your mouse or cradling the phone.

Contact force, or pressure that occurs when you rest on an edge or hard surface.  For example, resting your wrists on the edge of your desk.

To minimize eye strain, consider the following:

 

• Place your monitor at a distance of about arm's length when seated comfortably in front of the monitor.
• Avoid glare.  Place your monitor away from light sources that produce glare, or use window blinds to control light levels.
• Remember to clean your screen; if you wear glasses, clean them, also.
• Adjust your monitor brightness, contrast, and font size to levels that are comfortable for you.
• Get up often even for short breaks.