Posting Thursday 13 early because Thursday is my Romancing the Blog columnist day. It’s easier to be productive if you make writing comfortable, so…13 fixes for your day at the keyboard.

1. Stimulate circulation. Get up, move away from the desk, do a few stretches or jumping jacks. Try this once an hour at least.

2. Eyestrain. Wear glasses? Put ’em on. Wear contacts? Check out a pair of those computer glasses.

3. Eyestrain B, check monitor settings. Make sure it’s adjusted for the right brightness, etc.

4. Eyestrain C, check your writing format. Are you in Times 12 pt? That puts 300 words per page as opposed to 250 and the compressed font makes it harder to read onscreen. Try switching to Courier New 12 pt. I write everything in this format now and my eyes thank me daily. Any time I have to work in a different format, it slows me down. A lot.

5. Eye positioning; the top of your screen should be eye level, sitting upright and relaxed.

6. Body positioning. Your arms should be level from elbow to wrist, not slanting up or down. Relaxed arms, neck, and shoulders will help prevent strain.

7. Uncomfortable keyboard. If yours feels awkward to you, get a more comfortable one. Ergonomic keyboards take a little getting used to, but if you like the feel of it it can significantly improve your typing experience.

8. Mouse positioning. If you’re always reaching for the mouse, you’re straining. Position it comfortably close to your keyboard and edge of desk. Get a wireless mouse, one with a longer cord, or plug it into a different spot if you have to in order to get it positioned right. Also check out a mouse pad with gel-filled wrist rest. I love mine.

9. Keyboard wrist rest, another need for gel-filled comfort.

10. Different workstations so you can change position. It can be cheap and low tech; a pad of paper at the kitchen table or couch.

11. Comfortable chair that supports your back and doesn’t cut off circulation on your legs.

12. Try to avoid having direct light coming from in front of or behind your screen. From behind, you’ll get glare onscreen. From the front, you’ll be looking towards the source of glare.

13. Keep your desk in a comfortable state, so it feels good to sit down there. If it’s too messy, too sterile, or too cold or too hot, you’ll want to avoid it just because it’s uncomfortable. If you have your back to a doorway and notice you’re always tense, close the door.