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People today are spending more time on their systems than ever before. Unfortunately, many of us may, as a result, suffer from CVS or Computer Vision Syndrome. CVS affects anywhere from 60% to 90% of all computer workers, it doesn’t exactly damage your vision, but it does have side effects which can be considered unpleasant. In this article, we discuss 8 of the top health tips for all computer users.
The unfortunate reality is that a lot of people neglect their health, while spending a great deal of money on their systems. Sitting down for long periods of time can adversely affect your health, taking a negative toll on your wellbeing. You can read below to know 8 of the top health tips for daily computer users.
1. Rest Your Eyes
You may not be aware of this, but sitting and staring at your computer for long periods of time, can and does put a strain on your eyes. Although most computer screens aren’t too bright, it does produce enough light that you are staring into for long periods of time. This can put a strain on your eyes, which, in time can have an adverse effect on your vision, causing headaches and other health related issues.
That said, there is a solution to this problem, a way of avoiding straining your eyes. Just take a second or two, every couple of minutes to close your eyes, giving them a much needed break. Make sure you avoid, as much as possible, staring into your computer screen, which is a problem, that many people do, which they are unaware of. Blinking is very important, and by doing so, you are helping to maintain your vision.
2. Consider Raising Your Monitor
If you have your monitor planted directly on your desktop, it may be time for you to consider a raise – I mean, for your computer display. According to the experts, you want the top of your screen to be level with your eyes. This way, your eyes should be looking down, at a 10 degrees angle. If your head height is any lower or higher, you should be able to adapt by moving your head. If you have your screen positioned too lower, than your head will be forced to point down, causing aches to both your back and neck. A high display on the other hand, can cause dry eye syndrome.
3. Have Healthy Snacks Around
Working on a computer system is not a physically demanding job. Which means you’re not burning any calories, while sitting down and typing away. So you don’t want to compound this problem by eating snacks and junk food, all day. You want to stay away from processed foods that are high in sugar, calories and fats, as this will only make your health worse.
However, you have to eat something, so make sure you’re eating right. The best way to avoid snacking on bad foods is simply to not have any of it around you. Instead, consider keeping foods like nuts, high protein foods and beef jerky around you. That way, when you feel a little hungry you can nibble on that.
4. Use a Standing Desk
One option available to you, is opting for a completely different kind of desk. There are standing desks you can invest in, that are becoming very popular for people, because they promote a healthy lifestyle. Human beings were never meant to sit down for long periods at a time. Doing so strains the body, causing a multitude of negative health side effects. The issue is, if your job requires you to work on a computer, then you’re going to have to spend a lot of time sitting down.
But, what if you didn’t have to sit down at all, what if you could stand?
There are many standing desks available that range from a desk extension, which you can put onto another desk, to a brand new desk entirely. While at first it may not feel the most comfortable, over time your body should begin to adapt, and your comfort level should begin to raise. This will effectively cancel out any of those health-related issues that comes with sitting down for extended periods of time.
5. Use Computer Glasses
Computer glasses are designed for wearing while on your computer. These glasses will help you to better focus while looking at your screen. They also reduce glare and optimise, as much as possible, you’re viewing experience.
6. Keep Your Desk Clean
One issue that many people, who work on a computer system face, as a result of sitting down on a computer for long periods at a time, one thing many people don’t think about is bacteria.
When working on your computer, any bacteria that exists on your body or hands will likely end up on your desk. This bacteria will ultimately build up over time. After some time, you may find that your work space is teaming with microbes.
So what can you do, well, you can ensure your work space is always clean.
To do this, you will ensure you clean up after yourself, clean your keyboard, computer and entire workspace regularly. You can use a simple wipe to remove any bacteria build up, which will help maintain your health. You can also improve your situation by regularly washing your hands. Keeping a hand sanitizer around is another thing you can do, just to prevent dirt build up.
7. Reduce Glare
To reduce dust, a user must clean their monitor on a daily basis, and consider adding an anti-glare screen to it. You may also want to control the level of light coming into your work space, so that you can stop glare from coming in, from outside.
8. Poor posture?
Having poor posture is something to think about for every individual that works in an office space on a day to day basis. Many people who work on a computer, are drawn into the screen, which makes their necks lean forward. This ultimately puts strain on the spine and neck. Like holding a heavy object with just the single hand, according to the experts.
You put less strain on your muscles if you position your arm vertically, and lean forward, as the muscles will compensate to keep it aloft. When we sit on a desk, that heavy object is essentially our head, so you could try chin retractions or just make a double chin, so that both your spine and neck are kept in line.
It’s likely one of the more effective exercises you can do, quickly and simply, while on your computer.
–AUTHOR INFO—
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website https://www.compuchenna.co.uk