Injury Prevention Advice For Computer Users - Tip 3

If you spend a large amount of time on a computer most days, then chances are you are doing yourself some harm. Maybe you havent got any obvious physical symptoms like a sore back, tense neck and shoulders or numbness and tingling in your hands but, at the very least, significant periods of time spent at the computer are likely to be adding considerably to your stress levels. And studies are showing that this extra work-related stress can be surprisingly harmful in the long term.
The good news is that there are a number of easy steps you can take to counteract these problems. Ive compiled four tips which I believe can greatly reduce the risk of injury from regular computer use. Tip number 3 is contained in this article.
Tip 3 - Chill Out!
Stress is undoubtedly contributes to the soft tissue injuries commonly experienced by computer operators. The strain put on muscles and joints from excessive computer use causes these tissues to tense up. Its the bodys way of protecting itself from harm. This muscular tension adds to an individuals stress levels.
At the same time, many people who spend large amounts of time on computers are often subject to other forms of stress. At work, the need to meet deadlines, deal with the demands of supervisors and fellow workers and cope with increasing workloads in times of tight budgets all contribute to your general level of stress.
Even if stress at work is not an issue you may be experiencing stress and anxiety in other areas of your life, especially personal relationships. Whatever the source, stress tends to be stored in the body through muscular tightening, typically around the shoulders, neck and jaw but also in other areas. Pretty soon, a vicious loop is formed whereby physical stress from keyboard use is adding to mental and emotional stress, and visa versa.
Fortunately, there are variety techniques available to break this cycle and reduce stress levels. We have already looked at one of these in a previous article in this series which is stretching and, if thats all you do to combat the problem of stress, then youll have taken an important step.
My all-time favourite resource for ways to control stress is an inexpensive little book by the well-known author, Paul Wilson, called, Instant Calm. The reason I like this book so much is that it offers a multitude of simple steps anyone can take to relieve or reduce stress, many of which can be practised at work or in the car or just about anywhere. They all work; its just a matter of picking the ones that suit you and your circumstances.
Dont ignore this problem of stress; it is one of the significant but often overlooked issues contributing to physical damage from computer use.