Pace yourself with your computer

It's easy to lose track of time while sitting in front of a computer working or just surfing the Web for pleasure. You may not notice it, but your body certainly doesn't appreciate being put to test day after day without being given proper rest. In order to prevent injuries and other health problems related to the improper use of your computer, be sure to follow some simple tips before you even turn on your desk or laptop again.

1. Check your posture

It's easy to slowly lean forward or just sit back slouching on your chair while you spend time online. Being in an awckward position for too long can put real stress onto your back, creating some discomfort in the short term that can easily become a major health issue in the long run. Make sure your desk and chair allow you to take a proper posture, and take breaks after every one hour or so to give your body some rest.

2. Use proper lighting

It's amazing how our eyes can adjust to adverse lighting conditions. Even when you're far from ideal conditions, you will still be able to see all that goes around you and your screen. After a while, however, these poor conditions start taking a toll on your eyes, leading to more serious problems on the long run. Make sure you have enough lighting before you even turn on your screen, so as not to feel biased by the effect the lit screen may have on your judgement.

3. Find a good chair and desk

You won't be able to sit and work properly if your chair and desk are not comfortable or do not allow you to have a good posture. Think about how your body fits into the chair, and be sure to test it against the desk you plan to use it with, to guarantee either of them will be too high or low in comparison to the other. The chair also must have armrests and adjustable controls to let you find the best fit for your body, including a tiltable backrest.

4. Stretch

Just like a normal exercise, your body needs to be ready to face the stress and testing it will face while sitting out for a long period of time in front of a computer. If you know you're going to take longer than half an hour in front of your screen, take some time beforehand to stretch, turn and bend your arms, legs, neck and especially your hands.

5. Take breaks

Don't wait until you can't feel your limbs or until after your eyes are red to take a break from your computer. Try to discipline yourself to take a ten or fifteen minute break every hour, so that you can rest your eyes, arms, legs and back. Go for a short walk, pay a visit to the kitchen to drink some water or have a light snack, do some chores and come back to your computer feeling rested and ready for another session in front of the screen.


Also, please remember these are only general guidelines and should not be taken as the sole source of information in regards to proper posturing or behaviour in front of the computer. If you feel any kind of discomfort as a result of your computing habits, please contact a medical professional.