Working from home and preventing RSI / other problems - recommendations please?

[ClaireUnderwood]

I'm hoping to pick the brains of experienced home workers!

I've just accepted a job doing some freelance writing from home. Unfortunately I only have a laptop (Macbook Pro 13" if it makes a difference!) and I'm a bit worried about the impact extensive use is going to have on my health. From previous experience, I quite quickly get pain in my fingers and wrist from working long hours at home, plus tension in my neck.

I'm planning to get a separate keyboard and some kind of stand to elevate the laptop screen to eye level. My desk is quite high, so I think to get me at the right height (correct angle at elbow etc) and comfortable I also need a footrest. Does anyone have any recommendations for products to buy? (hopefully quite cheaply - I am not earning a huge amount from this job as it is and have already had to buy a desk and chair!). Any products to avoid? Anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance!

I don't have any helpful advice really as I am a bit of a 'percher' myself - I do have a proper desk but mostly don't work at it. In fact, right now the space in front of it is occupied by our over-wintering guinea pigs and I am perching at the kitchen table! So am watching with interest. But just thought it worth mentioning (in case you hadn't thought of it) that you will be able to write your work-related furniture purchases off against tax - assuming you are earning enough to be paying any, of course. My other advice is not to sit wherever you are sitting for too long - I use the Pomodoro technique and get up every 25 minutes, to make a cup of tea or do a quick household job, which is good for both brain and back.

Agree with dotty - I have been working from home as a freelance translator for 5 years, and the only thing that truly helps is getting up and taking breaks. It also helps concentration. Fr the first 3 years, I had a pc, now I have a laptop, and it's not much different. When I exercise (I lift weights - not very heavy) it is much better. I think any exercize would make a difference.

Having said that, mouse work is the worst, so try to avoid it, use keyboard short cuts.

So in short, I don't think you can buy your way out of it ;)

Thanks both. Have been meaning to try pomodoro technique, mainly as a way of trying to focus but if it will be good for my health then even better! Looks like there is no magic solution I guess I'll just have to be careful.

two suggestions as I had RSI (also a freelance translator). try voice recognition software, Dragon is the best. You will either love it or hate it, I love it and it has resolved the whole problem of sitting in the same position for too long.
Alternatively keep doing the reverse palm stretchy thing, where you push your fingers back with the other hand so they are at right angles to your wrist