Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
If you work in an office (out or in home), your job or business could be affecting your health. Studies have shown that people who work on computers for more than four hours a day are prone to a range of pesky health problems. From backache to eye strain and headaches, computer work and sitting for long periods of time can take its toll if not counteracted with the appropriate movement and rest. I have experienced them all!The good news is you can do something about it today!
That said, it’s still important that you stay aware of these problems and create a solid routine to combat any health concerns. Also, if you experience anything that isn’t getting better with these remedies, please see your health care provider for further advice and testing. Here are some simple tips that will, hopefully, get you feeling better.
Let’s Talk Backaches
There are so many reasons you might be experiencing a general backache, but I’m pretty sure that I have this one pegged as far as the office goes. The leading cause of backache is hunching over a computer all day. BAM, I said it! Yes, it’s true! I get horrible neck strain and some lower back pain when I spend too much time at my computer without breaks. When I made a few small changes in my routine, it made a world of difference and the relief came quickly.
So, are you ready to get some relief?
My top tip for getting rid of back pain is correcting your posture while seated and while standing. This is easily done by just being aware of how you hold yourself in various position. Unfortunately, however, if you’ve had a long history of bad posture, this change won’t be easy, as you may experience some discomfort at first. In that case, as excellent option for training your back to change is investing in a back posture brace. You can find out more about these at http://BackPostureBraces.com. Braces help to train you to keep your back in the correct position, whether you’re standing or sitting down at your computer. Your head should be up, your shoulders back and your spine nice and straight. You may also consider doing some core strengthening exercises that will naturally give your back an extra support. Yoga, pilates, crunches, and anything that balances your body at the core will create a better posture in general.
Dealing with Eye Strain
One of the most common computer-related health complaints is eye strain. If you work on a computer and have very few breaks, the chances are that you’re straining your eyes. This can not only lead to poor eyesight but also headaches, something we’ll talk about below. You can find out more about eye strain by visiting http://www.webmd.com.
In terms of dealing with eye strain, the best thing that you can do is take regular breaks. These should be taken every 20 minutes and should consist of 30 seconds where you stare at an object other than your computer. This helps to relax your eyes and refresh them, preventing eye strain. I also take time to just let my eyes lose focus on everything. Just stare out at a distance and allow your eyes to relax completely. Sort of like a space out. Don’t forget to get your eyes checked regularly by your optometrist. Early awareness of any eye issues will help you prevent further damage. There are also some eye wear products that actually reduce glare and eye strain from electronics.
Beat Those Headaches
There’s nothing worse than dealing with painful headaches while at work. And, trust me, I have been the Queen of Headaches in the past! Computers, talking on the phone, and pretty much all electronics have the potential to make headaches worse. Again, I am going to reiterate the need for proper breaks and rest of the eyes. If you are sensitive like me, your body can’t handle being bombarded by EMFs (Electro-Magnetic Fields). They are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as radiation (Dictionary of Environmental Health) that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting. Long term and frequent exposure can cause a plethora of health problems, including chronic migraine, blurred vision, nausea, irritability, depression, anxiety, and more.
If along with your headaches, you also have eye strain – blurred vision, this could be a sign of Computer Vision Syndrome. The best way to beat this syndrome and the nasty headaches associated with it is to move your computer away from the window. Don’t sit too close to your computer screen either, as this can intensify headaches.
Keep in mind, these are just a few problems that can happen and a few causes. I didn’t even mention what havoc stress can wreak on your body. But that’s a whole other post. For now, just try to take needed breaks and make the appropriate changes to your schedule, lighting, computer use, etc.
***This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s Lifelink, its owners, contributors, editors, vendors, affiliates, advertisers do not claim that this information will diagnose, cure, or make better any disease, condition, or health issue.
