When you work at a computer for most of the day as I do, you take certain things for granted, such as your eyes being tired or your back aching. But you know what? You don’t have to live with those discomforts. Instead, take some steps to reduce the strain of working with a computer.
Check Your Vision
Before you do anything else, you should have your vision checked. If you were glasses at all when you are working on the computer then you might want to consider having an anti-glare coating applied to your glasses (this also helps with driving at night).
Sometimes the prescription for your glasses or contacts can change. Wearing the wrong corrective lenses can really put a lot of strain on your eyes.
Check Your Monitor
When gazing at your monitor, you should be looking below eye level. This is because your natural gaze is slightly downward. Staring straight ahead or even up will put a lot of extra strain on your eyes. Position your monitor and your chair so that the top of the screen is comfortably below your eye level.
Check Your Body
Take the time to notice how your body is feeling. If your neck is tense, then you might have to adjust your chair and raise that desk or monitor a little bit (see above), so you aren’t straining your neck and shoulders. Legs getting cramped? Make sure that you are have a chair with a supportive back and that both feet are firmly and comfortably placed on the floor.
Good Practice
Finally, it is always a good practice to take frequent breaks. Look up from your computer and focus your vision far away, out a window or across the room for a few minutes. This will help rest your eyes. By the same token, take a minute or two to get up and stretch or walk to the water cooler, down the hall or down to check the copier or mail. Not only will this relieve some muscle cramps and eye strain, but it will also boost your metabolism which tend to shut down when your body doesn’t move for a while.
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