Physical Study Space Tips | Academic Success Centers

Sit in a comfortable chair at a table.

Use armrests if available to remove tension in shoulders and keep wrists parallel with floor. Recliners, couches, and beds may be tempting given perceived comfort, but your body & mind will focus better with proper ergonomic position.

Adjust the height of your chair so your feet can rest flat on the floor. It is also best to keep the space under the desk/table clear so your legs have space.

Set up Your Screen

The computer screen should be about an arm’s length away from you. Position the top of the screen should be at or just below eye level.

Give Your Eyes Breaks

Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Consider reducing the amount of time spent on social media or playing video games.

Use Proper Room Lighting

If you can adjust your lighting, try to use warmer lamps or natural light instead of fluorescent light. When possible, position your computer screen so windows are to the side, instead of in front or behind it.

Adjust Your Computer Settings

Adjust display settings so the brightness of screen matches your surrounding environment. Does your screen look dull and gray? It may be too dark. Does your screen look like a light source? It’s too bright.

Adjust the text size and contrast for comfort, especially when reading or composing long documents. Usually, black print on a white background is the best combination for comfort.

Some people find blue light blocking computer glasses helpful.

Take a Break from Screens Before Bed

Give yourself a gap between computer time and bedtime; your body needs time away from the screen’s light to help hit its sleep rhythm.