Six healthy tips you need if you sit at a computer all day

 

It's estimated that 40 percent of people with back pain have spent long hours at their computer each day. Sitting puts more pressure on your spine than standing and the toll on your back health is even worse if you're sitting hunched in front of a computer.

Sadly, a lot of our jobs nowadays involve sitting at a desk all day staring at the computer. Other than thought to slow the metabolism which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat, sitting for hours glued to your laptop or computer can actually be extremely detrimental to your health even more so than smoking.

Fortunately, making a few adjustments to your routine can help you avoid this.

Here are six tips to help regulate your screen time.

Organise your desk setup

The position of your computer in relation to the position of your eyes matters. If you have to look up at your computer, your eyes will get dry. However if you have to look at it too far down, you are likely to suffer from back and neck pain. Use a stack of books or a computer stand to prop your computer at a position where you only have to look down at a ten-degree angle at most.

Keep hydrated

Water is great for your health in that it improves your skin, increases your energy and helps with weight loss. Drinking more water also means that you will have to get up from your desk every now and then to refill your bottle or visit the washroom.

Set an alarm

Set and alarm on your phone or computer for every hour. When it goes off, make sure to get up and take a quick walk around the cubicles before getting back to your desk.

Blink

We tend to blink less when we are staring at our computer screens which is not healthy as it dries out our eyes. Make a conscious decision to blink more whenever you are working on your computer. Concentrating on closing and opening your eyes every now and then will help you blink more without having to think about it.

Avoid taking the elevator

If you do not work too high up in the building, this is a great tip for you. Instead of taking the elevator to the second or third floor, opt to take the stairs. For those who drive to work, try parking your car some distance away from the entrance. The extra walking you get is important for your circulation seeing as you will be sitting at a desk all day.

Rest your eyes

Staring at a screen all day can not only weaken your vision, it can also cause you to suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome. This condition refers to all the eye problems you get from staring at the computer all day. It is therefore important to give your eyes a break. Don’t go from a computer screen to a Netflix binge immediately work is over.