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The Ergonomic Holiday Guide: Travel Smart and Work Comfortably This Festive Season

The Ergonomic Holiday Guide: Travel Smart and Work Comfortably This Festive Season

The holiday season is a time to unwind, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy festive cheer. However, for many professionals, the season doesn’t always mean a full break from work or travel. Whether you’re catching up on tasks during a train ride, working remotely from a family member’s home, or simply trying to stay comfortable while traveling, overlooking ergonomics can lead to unnecessary discomfort and strain. With the right tools and a few simple adjustments, you can maintain comfort and productivity no matter where the holidays take you. Here’s how to ensure your body stays supported, your posture remains healthy, and your work setup is optimized throughout the festive season. 1. Pack Portable Ergonomic Tools Traveling often means working on-the-go or adapting to unfamiliar setups. Compact tools like the Oryx Evo D Laptop Stand are essential for elevating your screen to eye level, reducing neck strain. Pair it with the Solo X Wireless Keyboard and AVE /’a:vei/ Wireless Ergonomic Mouse to maintain a neutral wrist position, whether you’re at the airport lounge or a family dining table. For more extended setups, adding the X-Stand as a secondary screen solution can help expand your workspace. These tools are lightweight, making them easy to pack and carry wherever the holidays take you. 2. Create an Ergonomic Workspace Anywhere Temporary workstations are often less than ideal, but small adjustments can turn them into comfortable, productive spaces. Start by elevating your laptop with a portable stand, and if the available chair lacks lumbar support, use a cushion or folded towel to improve alignment. If you’ll be working for extended periods, position your screen at eye level and your keyboard at a height that allows your wrists to stay straight. This reduces strain on your neck, shoulders, and wrists while keeping your posture in check. 3. Prioritize Movement and Stretching Sitting for long periods, whether while traveling or working, can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Schedule breaks to stand, stretch, or walk around every hour. Simple stretches for your neck, shoulders, and lower back can help relieve tension and improve circulation. Even short movements—like rolling your shoulders or gently twisting your torso—can counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Incorporating these into your routine will help you feel more refreshed and less fatigued throughout the day. 4. Stay Comfortable During Downtime Holiday relaxation often involves scrolling through tablets, watching movies, or joining virtual gatherings. However, hunching over devices can strain your neck and shoulders. Use Oryx Pro, KickStand (for MS Surface Pro), or similar tools to prop your device at eye level, even during leisure activities. If lounging, ensure you maintain a supported position for your back and neck. Adding a cushion behind your lower back and using a lap desk can make even the most casual settings ergonomically friendly. 5. Gift Ergonomics This Holiday Season As you prioritize your own comfort, consider how ergonomic tools could make meaningful gifts for friends and family. Thoughtful, practical, and health-focused, items like the Oryx Evo D or Solo X Keyboard are perfect for anyone who values comfort and productivity—whether they work remotely or spend hours studying. Wrap Up Your Holidays with Standivarius This holiday season, prioritize comfort and well-being wherever your plans take you. With Standivarius’ ergonomic tools, you can feel supported and productive no matter the setting. Explore our range of solutions, including laptop stands, keyboards, and mice, to stay comfortable and stress-free this festive season. Discover more at standivarius.com and make this holiday ergonomic and memorable!

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Preparing for Winter: How to Create a Cosy, Ergonomic Workspace at Home

With winter setting in, many in the UK are spending more time indoors, including for work. For those working from home, colder months bring a new set of challenges: staying warm, comfortable, and focused. Creating a workspace that balances coziness with ergonomic support can make all the difference, helping you feel more relaxed and productive, even on those long winter afternoons. Here’s a guide to setting up a cozy, ergonomic workspace at home that can make winter feel more inviting: 1. Warm Lighting for a Cosy Atmosphere Natural daylight hours are limited in winter, so lighting is essential for creating a pleasant, motivating environment. Try to place your desk near a window to get as much natural light as possible. In the morning, aim for whiter, cooler light to energise you. As the day goes on and the light starts to fade, switch to warmer lighting to create a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. Adding a warm, adjustable desk lamp or a light with a soft, warm hue can help maintain this inviting feel, while avoiding screen glare that can strain your eyes. 2. Comfortable and Ergonomic Seating An ergonomic chair is essential for any home office, especially during colder months when you might feel tempted to work from the sofa or bed. Chairs with adjustable height, armrests, and lumbar support encourage good posture and prevent strain, especially on colder days when muscles can feel tighter. Adding a supportive cushion can enhance comfort and keep you sitting upright. The Standivarius WFH Cushion is an ergonomic seat cushion that provides extra support, encouraging a more natural posture. This cushion is designed to relieve pressure on the lower back, making it a great addition to any chair, especially for longer winter workdays. 3. Elevate Your Screen to Reduce Strain Working at the right screen height is crucial to avoid neck and back strain. Many people hunch over laptops, which worsens when bundled up in winter layers. Consider using a laptop stand like the Standivarius Oryx evo D, designed to lift your screen to eye level, making it easier to sit upright. This is especially helpful if you’re multitasking with video calls or creative work. The Oryx evo D is lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it around if you prefer working in different rooms to stay comfortable. 4. Keep Your Hands and Wrists Warm with Ergonomic Accessories Cold hands can be challenging in winter, especially if your workspace is in a chilly room. Cold can cause us to tense up, which may lead to stiff wrists and fingers. Using a supportive, ergonomic keyboard like the Standivarius Solo X can keep your wrists aligned and comfortable, minimizing strain even with extra layers. The Solo X is wireless and rechargeable, giving you flexibility to move around without the clutter of cables. Pair it with an ergonomic mouse, like the Standivarius AVE /’a:vei/, which supports a more natural wrist position. Both accessories can reduce strain on your hands and wrists while keeping your workspace tidy and organized, adding to the cosy feel. 5. Take Breaks and Stretch Regularly Finally, regular movement is essential for any ergonomic setup. In winter, it’s easy to stay glued to our desks to avoid the cold, but taking a few moments to stretch, get a warm drink, or walk around the house can improve circulation and reduce fatigue. Setting a timer to remind yourself to stand, stretch, or even step outside briefly for fresh air can be helpful. Making Winter Workspaces Cosy and Supportive Creating a cozy, ergonomic workspace at home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about supporting your body and mind, especially during the colder months. With the right setup, you can reduce strain, stay focused, and feel more comfortable while working from home. Explore ergonomic products like the Oryx evo D and Solo X on our website. With a few adjustments and personal touches, you can set yourself up for a cosy, productive winter.

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a bright, modern office or home workspace with soft natural light filtering in, showing shorter daylight outside, with professional seated comfortably at their desk and looking relaxed having a complete ergonomic setup.

Dealing with Shorter Days: How Ergonomics Can Keep You Energized at Work

As October rolls in, the days get shorter, the sun sets earlier, and we often feel the impact on our energy levels. Whether it’s the darker mornings or the early evenings, it’s not unusual to experience a drop in productivity during this time of year. But despite these seasonal changes, staying energized at work is possible—and one of the best ways to do that is by optimizing your workspace with ergonomic tools designed to support your physical well-being throughout the day. Here’s how ergonomic tools can help you stay energized during the seasonal shift: 1. Start with the Right Posture Slouching in your chair or hunching over your laptop can make you feel sluggish. Poor posture places unnecessary strain on your muscles, leading to discomfort and even headaches—none of which helps you stay productive. To maintain energy, you need to sit upright, with your feet flat on the ground and your back supported. One way to encourage good posture is by using ergonomic stands for your laptop or monitor. The Standivarius Oryx Pro, for instance, raises your laptop to eye level, reducing neck strain and encouraging a healthier posture. When you’re sitting comfortably and your screen is at the right height, you’ll notice an improvement in both your focus and energy. 2. Keep Your Workspace Flexible October’s gloomy days can also tempt you to switch up your working position throughout the day, perhaps shifting from sitting to standing or moving between different rooms. Flexibility in your workspace can help maintain your energy levels by keeping you physically active and mentally refreshed. Portable ergonomic solutions, offered by Standivarius, like the Oryx evo D, offer this flexibility. Lightweight and easy to carry, it lets you adjust your laptop’s height wherever you go, whether you’re sitting at a desk or working from the sofa. This adjustability can help reduce strain on your back, wrists, and shoulders, allowing you to work comfortably for longer stretches of time. 3. Reduce Strain on Your Hands and Wrists With more tasks to complete and less daylight to keep you alert, it’s easy to overwork your hands and wrists during long hours of typing. To prevent strain and maintain focus, ergonomic keyboards and mice are essential. The Solo X compact wireless keyboard offers a sleek design that’s perfect for professionals who need portability. It’s rechargeable, making it both convenient and eco-friendly, and its compact size allows for comfortable typing without cramping your workspace. Pairing the Solo X with an ergonomic mouse like the AVE /’a:vei/ can further reduce strain. The AVE /’a:vei/ mouse is wireless and designed to fit naturally in your hand, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries that can slow you down. Together, these tools can help ensure that your hands and wrists are supported, so you can stay productive and comfortable throughout the day. 4. Manage Light and Brightness With less natural light during the autumn months, you might rely more on artificial lighting. However, poor lighting conditions can lead to eye strain, making you feel tired and unmotivated. To avoid this, ensure your workspace is well-lit but not too bright. Soft, natural lighting that doesn’t create glare on your screen will help reduce eye strain. Ergonomic document holders can also come in handy here. Standivarius offers a range of options that keep documents at eye level, so you’re not constantly shifting your focus between paper and screen. This can help you maintain your concentration and reduce the strain on your eyes. 5. Stay Energized with Movement One of the keys to staying energized throughout the workday is movement. Sitting for extended periods can make you feel sluggish, but small changes in your posture or brief stretches can make a big difference. Ergonomic tools such as laptop stands encourage movement by making it easier to adjust your workstation as needed. Small movements, such as adjusting your seat height or your laptop screen, also help keep your body active, reducing the feeling of tiredness that often comes with sitting still for too long. Ergonomics as a Solution for Seasonal Change As we adjust to shorter days in October, it’s important to consider how our working environment can affect our energy levels. Standivarius offers ergonomic solutions in a practical way to stay comfortable and focused, even when the natural daylight starts to fade earlier. By integrating ergonomic tools into your daily routine, you can maintain your energy and stay productive, despite the seasonal changes. With the right setup, you’ll find it easier to focus, stay comfortable, and keep your energy up all day long.

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A before and after image of a professional working, highlighting the impact of ergonomic upgrades, showing the difference between a poorly set up workspace and one that's been enhanced.

Back to Work: Solve Common Workspace Issues with Ergonomic Upgrades

As summer fades and we transition back to work, many professionals are once again facing the same discomforts and productivity challenges they dealt with before the break. Whether you’re working from home or moving between locations, neglecting proper ergonomics can lead to long-term health issues like back pain, neck strain, and repetitive stress injuries. Upgrading your workspace is essential for maintaining your well-being and productivity. By addressing issues like poor posture, limited space, or discomfort, ergonomic tools provide lasting solutions for a healthier and more efficient work environment. The Problem with Poor Posture and Makeshift Workspaces Many professionals spend long hours working on laptops in environments that aren’t designed for productivity. Kitchen tables, low desks, and dining chairs often cause poor posture, leading to back, neck, and wrist pain. Over time, these discomforts can reduce focus and energy, making even simple tasks feel draining. Solution: Products like the Oryx Evo D offer an all-in-one ergonomic solution. By elevating your laptop to eye level, it helps improve posture and reduces strain on your neck and back. Its built-in document holder ensures that all your papers are at a comfortable viewing height, preventing the need to constantly look down and reducing distractions in your workspace.   Challenges with Surface Pro: Viewing Angles and Typing Efficiency Surface Pro users often face specific challenges, from awkward typing positions to the difficulty of achieving the perfect viewing angle. Without the right support, this can lead to neck strain, reduced typing comfort, and decreased productivity, especially when working for long hours or switching between workspaces. Solution: The KickStand and Freedom are a perfect duo for Surface Pro users seeking better ergonomics and productivity. The KickStand provides adjustable viewing angles to help position the Surface Pro at an optimal height for typing or viewing. Meanwhile, the Freedom keyboard offers a more comfortable typing experience, with the flexibility of Bluetooth connectivity and magnetic attachment for ease of use. Together, these products allow Surface Pro users to work comfortably, no matter where they set up.   Strain from Heavy Mouse Usage For those working long hours in front of a screen, a standard mouse can lead to hand and wrist strain over time. Traditional designs often fail to provide the support needed for prolonged use, which can result in discomfort, fatigue, and even repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). *add link Solution: The AVE /’a:vei/ offers an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand, helping to reduce the risk of strain injuries. Its wireless functionality allows you to move freely while working, ensuring that your wrist remains in a more natural position. This can greatly improve comfort and help avoid the strain associated with long-term mouse use.   Cluttered Workspace Affecting Focus and Efficiency An unorganized workspace can have a direct impact on productivity. When your desk is cluttered with unnecessary items, wires, or oversized equipment, it can create a chaotic environment that makes it harder to focus. Constantly searching for the tools you need or dealing with limited space can lead to frustration and wasted time. Solution: The Solo #pad keyboard is designed to bring both functionality and organization to your desk. With its compact layout and integrated number pad, it provides all the essential features of a full-sized keyboard without taking up extra space. The wireless connectivity eliminates the need for tangled cables, helping keep your workspace clean and tidy. By reducing clutter, the Solo #pad allows for a more efficient, focused, and stress-free work environment.   Getting Started with Ergonomics For many professionals, the importance of ergonomics only becomes clear after experiencing discomfort. Whether it’s neck strain, lower back pain, or wrist fatigue, these issues often arise from poor workstation setups. The good news is that improving ergonomics doesn’t have to be complicated. Solution: The Ergo-Know-Me is an excellent introduction to ergonomic tools. Its compact, portable design helps elevate your laptop to a more comfortable viewing position, reducing the need to hunch over and easing neck and shoulder strain. This makes it a great first step for professionals who want to gradually improve their workspace without overhauling their entire setup.   Returning to work after the summer provides a great opportunity to solve common workspace challenges and make long-term improvements. Whether it’s reducing neck strain, improving posture, or maximizing small spaces, ergonomic tools like laptop stands, mice, and keyboards can address these issues directly. Invest in solutions that boost comfort and productivity for a smoother, healthier workday.

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a man working at the rooftop on a summer

Optimise Your Summer Workspace: Ergonomics for Comfort and Productivity

As the summer sun brightens our days, many of us find ourselves working from various locations – be it a home office, a garden, or even a beachside café. But how do we maintain comfort and productivity without compromising our health? With the right ergonomic products, staying comfortable and productive during summer is not only possible but also essential for long-term health and well-being. This article will guide you on how to create an ergonomic workspace for summer that ensures both comfort and productivity. The Importance of Ergonomics in Summer During the summer, the heat can significantly affect our posture and productivity. High temperatures can lead to discomfort and fatigue, making it harder to maintain good posture and focus on tasks. Incorporating ergonomic setups is crucial to combat these issues. Additionally, remember to take regular breaks and stay hydrated to avoid heat-related fatigue. Heat and Posture: When it’s hot, our bodies tend to slump, seeking positions that feel cooler but may not be ergonomically sound. This can lead to back pain, neck strain, and other discomforts that reduce productivity. Hydration and Breaks: Make sure to drink plenty of water and take short breaks throughout the day. This helps in maintaining concentration and prevents the heat from overwhelming you. Creating a Summer-Friendly Ergonomic Workspace Optimising your workspace for summer involves making adjustments both indoors and outdoors to ensure comfort and productivity. Outdoor Setup Tips: When working outdoors, position your workspace in the shade to reduce glare on your screen and protect yourself from direct sunlight. Adjust your screen brightness and use a laptop stand to maintain an ergonomic posture. Consider using a portable sunshade or an umbrella to create a comfortable working environment. Indoor Adjustments: Optimise your indoor workspace by positioning fans or using air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature. Ensure your desk setup promotes good posture, with your screen at eye level and your keyboard and mouse within easy reach. Travel-Friendly Ergonomics: Maintaining an ergonomic workspace for summer while travelling is essential. Look for lightweight and compact ergonomic products that are easy to carry and set up anywhere. This includes portable laptop stands, compact keyboards, and travel-sized mice. These tools ensure that you can maintain good posture and comfort even on the go. In summary, creating an ergonomic workspace for summer is essential to stay comfortable and productive. Portable ergonomic products, such as laptop stands, keyboards, mice, and document holders, make it easy to maintain a healthy posture regardless of your workspace. Explore our range of ergonomic products to enhance your summer working experience and ensure long-term wellbeing. By focusing on these key aspects, you can ensure a comfortable and productive summer, no matter where your work takes you.    

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A professional working with a dual monitor setup using the new Standivarius X-stand, a protable dual monitor stand

Introducing the New X-Stand by Standviarius: Your Dual Screen Solution

In today’s hybrid work world, having the right tools can make a big difference. Whether you’re working from home, the office, or on the go, you need solutions that are flexible and comfortable. Meet the X-Stand by Standviarius – a handy stand for portable monitors and tablets that makes working anywhere easier and more comfortable. Ergonomic Compliance and Benefits The X-Stand helps you set up an ergonomic workspace no matter where you are. By raising your monitor or tablet to eye level, it helps you maintain a natural, upright posture, which can reduce neck and eye strain. Following European and UK ergonomic standards, the X-Stand ensures you can work comfortably for longer periods. Flexible and Adjustable for Comfort One of the key features of the new X-Stand is its flexible ballhead, which allows for 360° rotation and versatile angle adjustments. Whether you’re on a video call, giving a presentation, or doing creative work, you can adjust the stand to the perfect angle. It supports devices up to 2 kg and can extend up to 55 cm, making it suitable for various tablets and portable monitors. Durable and Stable Design Made from high-quality aluminum alloy, the new X-Stand is lightweight yet sturdy. Its stable 3-leg design and non-slip rubber pads keep your devices secure, even when you adjust the angles. This solid build means the X-Stand can handle everyday use, making it a reliable part of your workspace setup. Portable and Foldable for On-the-Go Use Designed with mobility in mind, the new X-Stand weighs just 212g and folds down to a compact 20cm. This makes it incredibly easy to carry and store, fitting seamlessly into your bag or briefcase. Whether you’re working from a coffee shop, a co-working space, or while traveling, the X-Stand provides the flexibility you need. Additionally, it comes with a protective case that not only keeps the stand safe but also has extra room for your accessories such as chargers, earphones, and cables, ensuring that you have everything you need at your fingertips.The new X-Stand by Standviarius is an upgraded dual screen solution for hybrid professionals. Its ergonomic compliance, adjustable design, durable build, and portability make it a must-have for enhancing your workspace. Discover more about the new X-Stand on the Standviarius website and see how it can improve your work life.

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Introducing the Standivarius Ergonomic Product Selector

Tailored Ergonomic Solutions at Your Fingertips In this era of hybrid work, finding the right ergonomic tools—without sacrificing quality—can be a challenge. These tools must meet the demands for mobility, productivity, and well-being. It’s a personal journey, and we understand that. That’s why we developed the Standivarius Ergonomic Product Selector, a tool designed to deliver tailored recommendations based on your ergonomic needs. Whether you’re adjusting for height, the type of laptop you use, or its screen size, our selector is here to find the ideal solution for you. Why Use Our Ergonomic Product Selector?   Personalized Recommendations: With your details such as your height and device type, our ergonomic product selector will guide you to the best ergonomic options specifically suited for you. Are you a tall person who has always found that standard laptop stands don’t elevate the screen enough, leaving your back hunched? The product selector could help you find the right stand, like the Oryx Evo H. Ease of Use: The intuitive interface guides you through a simple process. Just check the box that matches your preferences. Are you a Microsoft Surface Pro user struggling to find a compatible stand for improved viewing angles? Worry no more! Simply select your device type, and the product selector will recommend exactly what you need – the KickStand! We also offer a unique feature for our partners. The Standivarius Ergonomic Product Selector can be seamlessly integrated into your website, appearing as one of your native elements. This enriches your site by providing your customers with a valuable tool for their ergonomic needs directly on your platform. How Our Ergonomic Product Selector Can Help Our Partners?   Seamless User Experience: Embed the ergonomic product selector into your website with ease and upgrade your customers’ journey without navigating them away. Value Addition: By incorporating this tool on your site, you enhance user engagement, improve customer satisfaction, and potentially increase loyalty. To explore how the Standivarius Ergonomic Product Selector can transform your workspace or enrich your website, visit www.laptopstands.co.uk. Experience the simplicity and effectiveness of choosing the right ergonomic solutions.

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Understanding the Long-Term Benefits of Laptop Stands

Understanding the Long-Term Benefits of Laptop Stands

Ergonomic laptop stands have been a mainstay of various office setups for a long time. And for good reason! It’s an effective tool in mitigating the risks of various musculoskeletal issues that results from prolonged laptop use. Most of us are aware of the immediate effects of laptop stands on our wellbeing and work productivity. But what of its advantages for the future which, we’d argue, is when we can experience and enjoy its full effectivity? There’s also the discussion on the connection between comfort and our interpersonal relationships. With this article, you’ll be able to glean insights on the long-term benefits of ergonomic laptop stands in a holistic way: preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders, its productivity implications, and positive impact on relationships. Based on a true story? Imagine yourself at work. You’re having a hard time keeping focus on that graphics that your manager wanted done yesterday. The clock is literally ticking and all you can think of is that nagging pain in your neck that numbs parts of your shoulders. Imagine yourself playing with your child on a playground. It’s a warm summer day, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping. You’re trying to lift your kid when, suddenly, your back gives out. Or imagine yourself as a copywriter for a small company known for promoting long-term comfort and productivity by offering ergonomic laptop stands. You work daily with chronic neck pain due to a lifetime of bad posture that had developed into spinal issues. Which may or not be an ironic yet true story here at Standivarius! The bad outweighs the good Musculoskeletal problems are a general source of pain and discomfort, and that oftentimes stems from our work lives. Due to hybrid work being the norm, the laptop has been the main tool we use. It’s a lot smaller compared to a desktop computer and is very portable. But for all the conveniences that a laptop brings, it brings along with it a lot of health problems. When working long hours with a laptop, we sit in a posture wherein we’re forced to slouch, and our head bears uneven weight on our necks and backs. There’s no proper spinal and core support. We might as well carry along our desktop computers everywhere! Work is affected There are real life consequences to poor posture that we often overlook. While poor posture seems so mundane of a reason for the consequences, it is a major factor – not because of posture in of itself, but what the constant crooked posture leads to. Work productivity is badly hindered by the persistence of pain and discomfort. Our jobs are at risk because of the sub-par work that, while unintentional, is hindered. Focussing on our tasks is next to impossible when we’re in agony. Deadlines are missed due to sick leaves, and work is left undone because of absenteeism. Relationships are compromised It’s not just work that’s at risk, but our interpersonal relationships as well. Spending precious moments with our loved ones is also severely affected when we suffer from chronic pains brought on by the effects of our bad posture. We’d have a difficulty spending time with them when all that we want to do is rest our body. We also would have a hard time enjoying their company when we’re in pain. Our health is directly connected to our relationships with our loved ones. It’s not enough to be just present in their lives, but we must also be at our best for them. And to be at our best, our health should be given priority. Understanding laptop stands It’s widely known that bad posture caused by long hours of laptop use does agonising damage to our musculoskeletal health over time. Ergonomic laptop stands exist to help reduce strain on the body. These stands encourage users to have, and to also develop, good posture – which then reduces the risk of postural abnormalities. Examples of these are “forward head posture” (nowadays called ‘text neck’), which is the positioning of the head in front of the shoulders, often associated with excessive screen time or poor ergonomic setups; and “rounded shoulders,” which is the drooping of the shoulders, contributing to a slouched posture. By raising the laptop and its screen, a laptop stand prevents you from having to hunch over, reducing future pains to the neck and the back. Stands promotes working with a straight posture, with the head and upper body aligned. This reduces the possible risks of long-term spine issues. With using a laptop stand like the Standivarius Oryx evo D, the long-term effects of better posture at work can be experienced. Shifting the consequences to our favour We can’t stress enough the stresses (pun unintended) of the lifetime effects of bad posture on a body. It is indeed painful and will disrupt the day-to-day quality of life. But we can still lead healthy lives. We can still be productive at work. And we can still give our loved ones the best versions of us. By reflecting on the long-term benefits of using ergonomic laptop stands to our health, work, and personal relationships, we can start living a healthier and more fulfilling life! Those “sit up straight” remarks from your mother when you were young suddenly makes sense, don’t you think?

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Addressing the Ergonomic Challenges of the Microsoft Surface Pro

If you’ve spent some time working on the Microsoft Surface Pro, you’d know how much of a game-changer it can be in your workflow. The Surface Pro boasts a removable keyboard that Microsoft calls the “type” cover – aptly named for its dual purpose of a keyboard and the device’s cover when not in use. Flip the type cover and the Surface Pro’s kickstand, set it on a table, and you have a functional laptop. Remove the keyboard and you have a tablet. However, for all the pros of the Surface Pro (pun intended), there is one major and unfortunate con of the device: it’s an ergonomic nightmare! Believe it or not, enhancing comfort and productivity on the Surface Pro is possible. With this article, you’ll discover how to make that happen. Health costs  The Microsoft Surface Pro laptop/tablet hybrid is well-known for its flexibility, versatility, top-tier performance, and portability – a plus for on-the-go professionals who prioritise productivity. It’s an almost perfect mobile workstation if there ever was one! But the Surface Pro’s ‘flexibility’ and ‘versatility’ come with a cost: if you have spent long work hours using the device, you’ll have undoubtedly experienced your fair share of discomfort and neck and back pains while using it. Different Device, Same Problems  When using the Surface Pro in laptop mode, it carries over the same problems that laptops have – using it forces you to hunch over. There have been hundreds of case studies and medical reports stating that forced poor posture from laptop use causes pains in the neck and back. And these pains can lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders when not immediately addressed. Laptop users have addressed this ergonomic concern by utilising laptop stands. Using a stand raises the laptop and its screen to a comfortable and ideal height, greatly reducing the strain on the neck. Laptop stands also have the extra benefit of boosting productivity when used. When you’re working with proper posture, you get to focus on work and your daily tasks more because you’re a lot more comfortable. Surface Pro Drawbacks There are two major disadvantages of the Surface Pro: it’s limited viewing angle that causes neck and back pains, and its signature keyboard which relies on the device as its power source. This makes the keyboard virtually unusable when detached from the device itself, making flexibility very limited. With laptops, users raise the device on a stand for optimal and ergonomic use. Users also use the laptop and stand setup with an external keyboard, which is an acceptable trade-off for them. With the Microsoft Surface Pro, while you can raise the device on a stand, you cannot use its keyboard! You can remove the type cover keyboard and use an external keyboard instead, but that compromises its much-touted ultra-portability. After all, carrying the Surface Pro with its keyboard and a stand and a standalone keyboard in a laptop bag should not be seen as an acceptable trade-off! The heavy weight of the setup in a bag would undoubtedly worsen neck, back, and shoulder pain. Ergonomics for Surface Pro is possible!  Because of the limitations, there is a need for bespoke solutions for the Surface Pro’s ergonomic problems that will enhance both portability and versatility without compromising comfort. With the Surface Pro’s ergonomic issues in mind, Standivarius specifically designed and crafted the KickStand and Freedom Keyboard. The Standivarius KickStand raises the Surface Pro to a comfortable viewing level, ensuring a healthier way to work with the device. Aside from its ultralight build that weighs next to nothing, the KickStand also features height-adjustability, giving you a variety of levels that suits your ergonomic needs. Better Together  Improving comfort for Surface Pro users doesn’t stop there! The Standivarius Freedom Keyboard solves the ergonomic concerns that the Surface Pro’s type cover keyboard presents. And this concern is remedied by a simple fix: a built-in rechargeable battery. As mentioned previously, the type cover keyboard cannot be used when detached from the Surface Pro as it relies on the device for power. Freedom Keyboard can still be used even if it’s not attached thanks to its built-in rechargeable battery, living up to its name! Connecting the Freedom Keyboard to the Surface Pro is straightforward thanks to the stable Bluetooth connection. With its user-centric design, the Standivarius Freedom Keyboard’s form and functionality won’t feel unfamiliar. It has the same magnet style attachment, the same layout, the same responsiveness, and the same reliability guaranteeing a seamless transition when (eventually!) upgrading to it. To further improve health and comfort, the Freedom Keyboard features low-profile keys just like the Surface Pro’s signature keyboard. There’s less force required in typing on low profile key, reducing the strain on fingers and wrists that causes repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. With integrating the Standivarius’ KickStand and Freedom Keyboard with your Microsoft Surface Pro, you’ll have a complete mobile and ergonomic workstation! Improving an (almost) perfect device  The Microsoft Surface Pro is, without question, a work tool that can aid in accomplishing your daily tasks in a breeze. But given all its disadvantages, ergonomic accessories such as the Standivarius KickStand and Freedom Keyboard may be the only way to minimise the health risks involved. Not only that, these accessories aid in maximising productivity and optimising efficiency. Improving comfort for Surface Pro users is why ergonomic accessories are made and adding them to your mobile workstation is definitely worth considering!

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Ergonomics for Children: How Kid-Friendly Laptops Stands Helps Your Child

An Uncomfortable Truth The importance of ergonomic design in schools and virtual learning situations is a subject that’s not given enough attention. But you’d be surprised to know that in a study conducted in 2014, 72% of primary school pupils examined reported back and/or neck pain the past year. The study also noted that percentage of paediatric referrals to physiotherapy for back and neck pain rehabilitation more than doubled in a year. We can only imagine what those numbers are now almost a decade later where most of children’s schoolwork are done with a laptop or a tablet! Ergonomic interventions have to be done for our children as soon as possible, as their pains will worsen over time and end up as more serious Musculoskeletal Disorders that will last until adulthood. “Prevention is better than cure,” as the old adage goes, and luckily there are ergonomic solutions that can help with our children’s posture improvement; and one of them are kid-friendly laptop stands. Their Classroom Is Their Workplace Laptop stands have been around for decades and are known for promoting correct posture in people who frequently use laptops for work. These stands are staples in the workplace, whether in offices or in remote setting, and have been known to aid in minimising pain and discomfort that often accompanies long hours of laptop use. Children typically spend 5-6 hours in a classroom, which can be considered as their workplace. Why Kid-Friendly Laptop Stands? With children spending that amount of time mostly in a classroom that has a standardised (i.e. non-ergonomic) chair and desk, kid-friendly laptop stands are one of the few equipment for creating comfortable study environments. These specific stands are beneficial to your child in a number of ways: • Promotes healthy posture – using stands that are specifically designed for kids teaches children proper posture. • Reduced strain – the neck and the back are the two most affected by bad posture in laptop use. Over time, the effects on them become more and more painful. Utilising a laptop stand greatly minimises strain on the neck and back. • Enhanced comfort – doing assignments or studying on a screen for long periods of time can be very uncomfortable and can make a child grumpy. By training our kids to use a stand with their laptop, they would feel much better and more comfortable! • Better Focus – pain is a frustrating distraction that pulls children’s attention away from what they need to accomplish. With the laptop stand effectively lessening pain, your child can study a lot more comfortably, keeping your child’s focus on schoolwork. Features to Consider The features, or lack thereof, of a laptop stand can make or break the purchase. The stand that you’ll be investing on for your kids must have the following design elements to optimise virtual learning and classroom ergonomics for your child: • Designed specifically for children – a typical stand is primarily made for adults, which reflects their standard larger size. A stand that’s made for children has to be smaller to accommodate their shorter bodies. • Adjustable height – these stands must feature height adjustability to cater to children’s varying heights, as well as to adapt to your child’s growth. • Durable – let’s admit it, children are more prone to breaking things! It stands to reason that the stands they’ll be using almost every day should be durable enough. • Easy to Use – most kids aren’t fond of complicated toys and gadgets, what more with laptop stands! If the stand is easy to set-up and pack away, the more likely they’ll use it. • Ultralight – with children carrying the stands on their backpacks, its weight has to be a major consideration. The lighter the stand is, the better it is for your child’s back. • Multi-use – aside from laptops, tablets have also become one of the digital learning essentials that we’ve invested in for our kids. Our kid-friendly Oryx JR hybrid laptop / tablet stand can easily hold both devices. Invest in Their Future Teaching our children proper posture and ergonomics early on in their learning experiences will be a concept that they’ll bring with them even when they are already working. A laptop stand that is designed for kids is an inexpensive investment for your child’s future – one that they’ll thank you for when they’re older!  

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