I live on my laptop. I wish I could say this is because I am a writer and so I work a lot on it, but this would only be half true. While I work via my computer, I also spend several hours more looking at funny websites, watching videos of cute things animals do, spamming forums and chatting with friends from around the world. I am the worse about doing things that are actually good for me, as I would rather do things that are fun for me.
It was this that prompted me to start looking up the effects of too much computer time on my health, and the results of this search were frightening. Of course, not scary enough to actually get me to stop. Just enough to make me start figuring out ways to battle some of the more dangerous consequences of a life of too much Facebook and lolcats.
- Mini (Office) Workouts – So, you are at the office and you just finished filing the first set of budget reports. Your eyes are drooping and you are so bored you could cry. You need a burst of energy…what do you do? I bet your answer is to go down to the breakroom and get a cup of coffee, and maybe a candy bar from the vending machine. But both of these will lead to a crash. Why not get a quick stretch and workout in instead? Sites like Sparkpeople have 10 minute workouts that you can fit in anywhere. You can also find other quick routines through a Google search. Even a few reps of crunches, push ups and jumping jacks can go far.
- Computer Breaks. Everyone needs to take some time away from the desk every once in awhile. Every hour, get up and do something else. Get some water, talk to a coworker, call home, go for a walk…whatever. You can even pull out a book and read for fifteen minutes. Not only will this help you to focus when you come back, but you can reduce eye strain. This will in turn help to lower stress, eliminate headaches and assist in back aches and neck pain.
- Don’t Stress It! There is nothing more frustrating than a malfunctioning computer. Whether it is running slow, the net is going out or there is a hardware issue, it is important to learn how to let it go without getting too angry. Another problem is Internet rage. This can affect anyone who visits forums, reads news pieces, browses political sites, or even just checks Facebook statuses. Remember, your reaction should match that which you would give in real life, which means taking a moment to calm down.
- Cut Down Your Time. The best tip is the one the least people will take: get off the web. Stop spending so much time on your computer, whatever it is you are doing, and do something else. Limiting your time is a great way of improving your health and better managing what you do in a day. Try creating a chart and stick to it.
Author Bio: Jessy Troy blogs on 4 Day Diet and shares some fun and useful diabetic diet tips.
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