Working off of your Lap, Do’s and Don’ts
by Sayeh Pezeshki
I have a perfectly good office desk and chair but sometimes I find myself wanting a change of scenery. I don’t want to hit up a coffee spot, sometimes I want to just lounge and work off my lap. For any of you who have actually tried this, you know that having your laptop on your legs for long periods of time can be painful (hot hot hot!) and not the most comfortable way of working. So how should you work off your lap?
Super awesome “Lap Wing”- Lap Desk
Do’s
-Use a lap desk of some kind; Having something that protects your legs and makes it easier to type off your lap is essential.
-Pick a comfortable place to sit/work; If you want to sit outside, be sure to choose some sort of comfortable seating. Working off the ground isn’t ideal and the discomfort will effect the work you’re doing.
Super awesome “Lap Wing”- Lap Desk
Don’ts
-Place your laptop directly on your legs; as mentioned, the heat from your laptop can easily burn your legs and the very least make it uncomfortable.
- Sit completely hunched over your laptop; The idea is to sit comfortably not to permanently give yourself a hunchback
Campfire Personal Table, a very stylish way of working away from your desk
Keep in mind, I’m not saying this is the way you should work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. Working off of your lap is an easy way to get out of a work rut or pump up your creative flow by stepping away from your desk. It’s definitely not a way I’d suggest anyone should work, all day, every day. Everyone should step away from their desk at some point, if you don’t agree then see our top 10 reasons why you should.
10 reasons to leave your desk
by Jodi Schaap
When it seems that all of your productivity can be done while sitting at a desk and starring at a screen, there are still plenty of reasons to unplug and leave your desk.
one
Walk around. Yes, it’s as simple as that. Move your legs. Get up for 5 minutes and move your body. Circulation helps and the literal movement can sometimes get your brain to the next task if you find yourself in a slump.
two
Hydrate. Maybe while you’re up you can refill your water bottle.
three
Take a breather outside to catch up on your google Reader, a memo you can take with you or a quick phone call home.
four
Leave your desk to make calls if you can. Are you set up to be able to make some of your important calls from your cell phone? Get away from the desk and distractions of your to-do list to focus on the conversation at hand. Walk the halls if you have to.
five
When the weather permits grab your lunch and eat away from your desk. Does your office have an outdoor courtyard? That’s for you.
six
Conference calls require your desk or the conference room most of the time – but don’t feel like you have to sit in on it. It’s ok to walk around and talk with your hands. Wear a head piece and move around the office if it’s not too distracting to your coworkers.
seven
Go to the bathroom. Seems elementary to mention this, but I know I can be so in the zone and focused that not only am I forgetting to hydrate or eat, I’m forgetting to give my body the break it needs to release toxins. Just walking to the Rest Room will feel better.
eight
Wireless. WIFI. Detached. All the things we love to hear in our (im)mobile world. Your printer might be wireless but you still need to retrieve your papers. Take a lap, say hi to your coworkers, grab a glass of water.
nine
If you’re really stuck on a project or task, set your the timer on your phone for 10 minutes, then 2 minutes. Alternate concentrating on the task and making small headway and then when your 10 min are up, use the 2 minutes as a break to surf the web for inspiration, take a walk outside for some fresh air or return a quick phone call.
ten
Take a meeting. Get some face to face time with your client or coworkers. Leave your sanctuary and get your creative juices flowing. Collaborate.
