While modern technology and computers have made it so much easier to get basic tasks done, they have also created certain physical problems that workers now have to deal with. While previous workplace injuries mainly happened as a result of accidents, many current workers’ compensation claims happen because of the repetitive movements and poor ergonomics that come with working on a computer for hours and hours each day. So to help keep yourself healthy and free from the pain associated with the type of work you’re doing, here are three things you should do if you start feeling pain from working at a computer for too long.
Fix The Lighting In Your Office
One of the biggest strains that can be put on your body when working on a computer is with your eyes. Staring at a screen for too long can result in your eyes becoming strained and dry and your vision becoming blurry or weak. If you’ve noticed these things yourself, Laura Newcomer, a contributor to Time.com, recommends that you first try to adjust the lighting in your office. Dimmer overhead lights or softer lighting of your screen may help your eyes immensely. Also, try to give your eyes a break from looking at your computer screen every 30 minutes or so at the longest.
Take More Breaks From Sitting
Although sitting at your desk might be the most comfortable way for you to get your work done on your computer, being in a sitting position for too long can cause a lot of stress on various parts of your body, as well as being just plain bad for your overall health. Because of this, Tina Sieber, a contributor to MakeUseOf.com, shares that you should take as many breaks from sitting at your desk as you possibly can. Get up and move around, take a short walk, or get yourself a standing desk so you can change your position more often and give your body a break.
Adjust Your Workstation
When you are sitting at your desk, it’s important that you have your workstation set up in such a way that it won’t be causing you any undue stress or strain on any part of your body. To help with this, Rachel Grumman Bender, a contributor to The Muse, advises that you find a chair with the right lower back support for your body, that you set your keyboard and mouse at the proper height for your wrists and elbows to be relaxed, and that you bring your computer monitor up so you don’t have to tilt your head down at all to look at it.
If you work at a computer desk all day and have been experiencing some pain in your body because of it, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you address these issues and relieve some of this physical strain.