Merilee‘s Tips & Tricks: What’s In Your Office

Here are some of my must-haves for my remote office

Express Scribe

If you haven’t downloaded software to play the videographer’s audio, I highly recommend this software.  It is simple to use and allows you to speed up and slow down the audio.  In addition, you can connect a foot pedal allowing you to start/stop/pause the audio without taking your hands off your writer.  Let your foot do the work for you!

Audacity

Don’t want to use a third-party vendor and wish you could play the videographer’s audio directly in your CAT software?  You can!  All you need to do is convert the videographer’s MP3 or MP4 to a .wav file and then follow the steps within your software to get it to sync.   You will have a fantastic audio file that you can use in your CAT software in minutes. 

Pedable

This is a free software that allows you to use that same foot pedal you use with Express Scribe with your CAT software, allowing you to program up to three different commands.  For example, instead of using keyboard commands to start and stop your audio, program the foot pedal to do this for you.  If you have other everyday features in your software that you use, you can program your foot pedal to perform these tasks, allowing you to keep your hands on the home row of your keyboard.  You will gain efficiency without lifting a finger.

UPS

If you haven’t invested in an Uninterruptible Power Supply yet, this is a must!   Plug your essential equipment into this and if you lose power in the middle of a proceeding, the UPS allows you to continue without a hiccup.  The two most important things to plug into the UPS are your Zoom Computer and your Internet.  If the power goes out, your laptop and writer can run off of battery.  (The brand I use is Cyber Power.)

Selfie Light

Now that we’re covering jobs in different time zones, we’re not always working during optimal daylight hours.   A selfie light is a great way to add light, focused on you, keeping you looking professional, even if it is the middle of the night. Depending on the selfie light, you can adjust the color to best fit your look and your office.

Light Therapy Lamp

Working from home means we’re not getting out as often as we used to or would like to.  If you are working from a dark room that lacks natural light, consider using a therapy lamp which mimics the full spectrum of daylight.

Footrest

Now that we are sitting in our chairs every day, we might as well make ourselves comfortable.  Integrating a soft memory foam footrest under your desk helps take the pressure off your low back.  Or go crazy and buy two (one for each foot).

Standing Tripod

As we work to create comfort while we sit, are some of you sick of sitting all day?  A standing tripod can do wonders to give your low back and shoulders the relief that sitting cannot.

Standing Desk

If you are interested in standing, invest in an adjustable standing desk.  If you do not want to go that fancy, you can get adjustable laptop stands to place on your desk which allow you to listen to your body and stand when needed and sit when tired.

Sticky Notes

Running out of room on your desk for all your sticky notes?  Start utilizing the Sticky Notes feature embedded in Windows.   You can change the color, size, and location.  These are great for quick notes to yourself or to house all your great new brief reminders.

Blue Blockers

With the increased amount of screen time, it is expected that headaches and fatigue are surfacing more regularly.  Blue Blocker glasses take away the harshness of the blue light and help reduce eye fatigue and headaches at the end of the day.   You can get inexpensive glasses on Amazon that are simple and stylish.

Gellifelx

Where has this unknown arm massage device been?  I received this as a gift over the holidays, and it always sits arm’s length away from me.  I use it to massage my arms during breaks and at the end of long days.  The soft roller balls are adjustable to help comfortably rub out the area(s) of your arm(s) that need it most.