How to Minimize the Effects of Staying on the Computer Too Long

Health Tips

By Lifestyle

As programmers, our job confines us to our desk. (Most jobs do, by the way.) And it’s not healthy. Sitting too long in front of the computer for years and years does have a negative effect on physical health. The biggest effect can perhaps be seen in posture. Most desk slaves develop poor posture, usually caused by lower back pain.

In addition, desk slaves develop repetitive strain injury brought about by doing the same thing over and over for extended periods of time. They also develop eye-related problems, obviously as a result of looking into the monitor for a long time.

So how do you go about preventing these? Here are some tips:

1.Use an ergonomic chair. Some companies are kind enough to provide posture-friendly office chairs for their employees. But that won’t do any good if you keep slouching in your seat. So sit properly!

2.Take a short break from whatever you are doing after an hour or so. Take a leak or get up water from the pantry. Do anything that will break the monotony.

3.Look away from the monitor every 20 minutes. Look for the office hottie sitting on the far end of the room and try to focus your eyes on her for 10 seconds. Don’t stare, though! It’s rude.

4.Put some anti-glare screens in your monitor and make sure that your face is at least a foot and a half away from the screen.