It’s the age of computers! A vital tool used for so many different jobs and activities!
[the_ad id=”14222″]
Working on the computer may sound like the best thing in the world but it’s actually very tough on your body. Spending long hours in front of the desktop increases your chance of developing injuries of the shoulder, arm, wrist or hand, muscle and joint pain, and eyestrain. Children who play computer games too often also experience particular physical and psychological problems. So working or playing on the computer for long hours can really be unhealthy! Let’s see what the real culprits are and how you can avoid and fix them.
Risks of ‘sitting for long’
Sitting glued to your computer screen affects your blood circulation. Your back experiences a constant stress. The food and drinks you consume throughout the day add more calories. Since you move very little you burn fewer calories and you welcome a host of conditions unintentionally. They are – weight gain, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and a shortened life span.
Solution: Take a 5-minute break after every hour. Walk around and stretch during your breaks. Also, you can work at a standing desk and spend a part of your day working while standing upright.
‘Bad posture’ and pain
Your daily activities affect your body and the shape of your muscles. Sitting for a long duration affects your posture. Your muscles either tighten or become weak. The consequences associated with bad posture while working on the computer are back and wrist pain, shoulder and neck pain, which often leads to tension headaches and excess stress on fingers.
Solution: Stretch and give yourself a massage. Set up your desktop monitor ergonomically, that is, the top edge must be at the eye level, the display must be at an arm’s length from your face and must be angled slightly backwards. Sit on an ergonomic chair that gives back support. Adopt a healthy sitting posture. Use a mouse pad to protect your wrist. Give your hands and fingers a frequent break. Do free hand exercises to ease the pain.
Still ‘staring at the screen?’
Gazing at the desktop screen for long hours leads to eye strain, blurred vision, burning eyes, headaches, itching eyes and temporary vision disorders.
Solution: Avoid glare and use a quality display of proper size. Keep a safe distance between your eyes and the display. Blink your eyes and look away from the computer for a few minutes or seconds while working. Office space must have proper lights but adjust the brightness of your screen if the room is dark. Do some eye exercises like rolling your eyes or palming.
Computers cause ‘anxiety & depression!’
Computers get your work done in less time and at the same time, you spend less time with your colleagues, friends and family. This can bring about physical and mental health issues like tensed muscles, headaches, back pain, increased or flat breathing, insomnia, quickened pulse, and stress, depression, or anxiety.
Solution: Breathe consciously and stay hydrated. Go for a brisk walk or run up and down the stairs to reduce stress. Interact with your colleagues. Plan for some activity after work. Also, meditate and exercise before or after work.
Source:
