I’m currently a student in Centennial College’s Communications – Professional Writing (or CMPW) with full intentions of pursuing a life-long writing career. I’ve recently become interested in ergonomics- the scientific study of efficiency and safety in the workplace.
I asked CMPW instructors and program graduates for their advice on the positive choices I could make at the beginning of my career to ensure a healthy long-term writing environment.
1. Set reminders on your phone to get up and walk around.
When writers are focused on self-directed projects, it can be difficult to set time aside to stand up, stretch, and get some fresh air. Studies have shown that taking breaks from work reduces stress and increases productivity.
CMPW grad Gabriel Holt says that setting reminders on her phone to take breaks from her work and stop staring at a screen for a while has been really useful in helping her solve this issue.
2. Learn to use keyboard shortcuts.
Many of us are unaware of how many keyboard shortcuts we could be using to be more efficient with our time. The shortcuts themselves vary depending on whether you’re using a Mac or a Windows computer.
Nesh Pillay, CMPW Web Copywriting instructor, says that she finds herself using keyboard shortcuts as much as she can to save time.
3. Invest in a good mouse for your laptop.
CMPW program head Kelly McConvey imparted this wisdom on us early in the first semester. Over time, using only your laptop’s trackpad puts extreme strain on your wrist.
An ergonomic mouse helps you keep your hand and wrist in neutral positions, easing existing pain and preventing future pain. This investment could save you from developing chronic wrist issues such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel.
4. Get a good night’s sleep.
This one may seem like a given, but many writers tend to overlook the importance of getting enough rest and how much it can impact the quality of our work.
Scott Garlick, CMPW instructor, says that if he doesn’t sleep well, he has trouble focusing and working for long periods of time. Just like we should be scheduling time for breaks from work, we should also schedule time to get sufficient rest.
5. Invest in glasses with blue light lenses.
Computer screens (along with phone and television screens) omit blue light which is harmful to our eyes. Exposure to blue light is especially harmful over time. It can have a direct effect on our melatonin levels, making it even harder to get that all-important good night’s sleep.
Even if you don’t already wear glasses, you can purchase glasses with blue light lenses and prevent issues from arising later in your career. Alternatively, some new phones and computers have light reduction screens or settings.
6. Take things slow.
When writers have a deadline, we sometimes tend to work quickly to make sure the project is completed on time.
CMPW grad Adam Szigeti says he ensures his writing is clear by “taking things slow, being present and mindful when constructing each sentence.” Great time management helps to ensure we have the time to take things slow.
7. Make sure your chair is comfortable and supports your back.
Unless you have one of those super-fancy standing desks, you’re probably going to spend a lot of time sitting down as a writer. What you’re sitting on should be comfortable, supportive, and prevent you from slouching.
Consider investing in an ergonomic chair, that reduces muscle tension and strain, as you get started in your career to make your future back happy.
8. Listen to music that brings out your creativity.
Experiment with listening to different kinds of music as you write and figure out what genres bring out your best work.
CMPW grad Alex Knoll says it’s important to listen to music that sparks your creativity, instead of distracting you.