Body Self-Care for the Computer User
Are you a user? An all-day, everyday computer user? If so, your body might be trying to send you a message. Listen real carefully . . .
"Psst! Buddy! You're killing me. I know you're making a living pounding on the keyboard, but my sitter is getting shot, my eyeballs are blinkity-blanking, and have you noticed my skin lately? Saggy. Baggy and dry as the Sahara. Do something!"
So, what exactly are you going to do for your body? Besides healthy eating and exercising, that is. Here are several things that are easy and don't take a whole lot of time.
3 Strategies for Body Self-Care for the Computer User
Sit Right
Perching on a chair all day can do a lot of damage to your back and neck, so it's important that you position your body correctly. Sit straight in your chair. Yeah, I know I sound like your mother, but it turns out mom was right. Sitting straight, with your head upright, not dipping toward the monitor, really helps you prevent back pain. Your knees should be bent at right angles and don't cross your legs. Your feet should also be flat on the floor, not dangling.
with a picture of the correct position.
Look Right
Staring at a screen can wreak havoc with your eyesight, so follow the
. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at an object at least 20 feet away. Yep. That simple.
Drink Right
What's the number one drink of choice for most computer users? Coffee. There's just something about a steaming cup o' joe on your desk that makes everything seem better. But here's the deal . . . if you're sipping on coffee or tea -- or heaven forbid, soda -- chances are you're not drinking enough water. Staying hydrated is important. Dehydration leads to fatigue, headaches and an inability to focus, which all inhibit production. The current accepted rule of thumb is to drink eight 8 oz. glasses a day.
It's hard to focus on your body and stay healthy when you're thinking about deadlines. If you can work to make these 3 habits part of your daily routine, you won't have to think about it anymore, and your body will thank you.