Desk
Computer
Since most of the time you spend at your desk is likely on your computer its setup is very important. Firstly, the computer monitor should be placed directly behind the keyboard, not high above or off to the side; you don’t want to crane your neck or have to look up to see the display. Your monitor should be at a convenient distance and height from your eyes (about half a metre/ slightly less than arm’s length) so that you can look down to see the screen without any eye strain.
Meanwhile, your computer keyboard should be placed directly in front of your body, over top of your thighs and at about elbow height when your shoulders are relaxed. A keyboard located too high requires unnecessary muscle tension in the raised shoulders, arms and spread elbows. As for choosing a keyboard, split keyboards have their advantages, but are much pricier than the standard variety. If nothing else, a flat keyboard is better than an angled one, so don’t prop your keyboard up on its kickstand.
Bent-wrist keyboarding is another problem to look out for as it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (a repetitive strain injury that interferes with the use of the hand). Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when pressure is put on the median nerve where it runs through the carpal tunnel (an anatomical tunnel between the wrist bones and flexor retinaculum). Foam pads are recommended as they raise wrists levels with the surface of the keyboard so that typing can be done with straight wrists. A foam pad can provide comfort and support to the heel of the hand so that the wrists don’t press into sharp desk or table edges.
You also want your mouse to be close by so that you don’t have to reach far out in front to operate it. The best case scenario is when your keyboard and mouse are at the same level. If one is higher than the other, one sided muscle tension in your back, neck and shoulders is likely to occur. When both mouse and keyboard are on par, your arms and shoulders can be at equal 90 degree angles. Heavy mouse use is often associated with wrist pain, so be careful.