Technological world demands sitting on computer throughout the day irrespective of your industry. You may have to use desktop or laptop but your sitting for 8-9 hour job is unavoidable. Deep down you know that sitting for such a long period of time can’t be good, but really, how bad can it be? Start looking at the facts, it isn’t so much the fact that we’re all sitting in front of a computer, it’s the fact that we’re doing it for long stretches of time without any breaks.
It’s important to understand how seriously this behaviour can affect you, as the threat is real and significant. Ignoring adverse effects of long hours of working on your computer systems can be hazardous if not paid attention in time. Not giving a minute break every hour or so, you could be in trouble down the road with the C word. Taking a couple of minutes to walk around, stretch may actually reduce inflammation linked to increased cancer risk. The more severe problems can lead to people leave job they like, so we should do what we can to prevent the minor aches of work from progressing to disability conditions. Continuous sitting affects most common body areas like the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck. Symptoms can easily be felt during typing or mouse use or other times when no work is being done. The more hours you work, the greater your risk.
Computer Vision Syndrome refers to eyestrain resulting for long-term computer use, leading to after images when off the system. Static loading of tissues over time puts pressure on the low back and stress the surrounding muscles. WATCH OUT FOR YOUR BACK!! Being glued to your desk also means you’re using the system as the single form of communication, not getting the outside enough. Excessive amount of sitting results in the “wear and tear” of joints too.
Worried? Do not really worry so much. You can certainly modify your routine activities to subside the adverse effects for sitting for long duration. Here are several tips to sit less, keep them in mind before you grab your computer:
- Periodically move around in your seat, every hour.
- Do wrist circles for 20 seconds.
- Use stand up desks.
- Release your eyes every few hours.
- Have organised breaks throughout the day.
- Properly set up your workstations, chair, monitor, and keyboard and mouse so that your body is in a comfortable position.
- Position the monitor so that the top is at the level of your eye.
- Use Microsoft Natural Elite Keyboard; appears to reduce hand pain.
- Make sure to get up from your system in tea and lunch breaks.
So practise few good postures regularly and make your amc or computer working experience comfortable for your health too. With few precautions you can stay physically fit even after working on computers lifelong for innumerable hours. Let computer be a blessing for you instead of turning it to a disaster for your health.