This is the first of my “Offline” articles, which really have nothing to do with making money, seo, etc. To be fair though, this article is about not getting screwed over by your computer, which could cost you crazy medical bills while also cutting into your job as a webmaster, so this should have some crossover appeal.
Out of commision
For starters, I’m writing this article because I’d getting slammed by about three different RSI (repititive stress injuries) right now. After a week and a half of serious computer use (upwards of 3-4 hours a day), my body is starting to tire out. First my eyes became extremely sore and sensitive to the computer monitor. Ignoring that, my forearms became wildly sore, then my wrist started acting up.
I didn’t bother podcasting this article because the less I’m on the computer the better. This is a warning to all webmasters out there on how to take some easy steps to prevent something that could easily ruin your week.
My theory: webmasters are addicts
It should say something that I’m here typing a post even though my body is showing its discontent. I should note that an RSI injury is not like breaking your arm; you don’t get constant pain. Mostly it’s just mild discomfort or sharp/shooting pains that really get you.
For the past week I’ve been promising myself to spend as little time on the computer as possible. The result? I’ve felt the urge to check my adsense and other earnings throughout the day. I check traffic, search engine rankings,etc as if my watching it is going to make a difference.
It’s a webmasters need to do more, even when there is nothing to do that is the killer. The constant eye strain, typing and clicking take a huge toll on your body.
Casts attract the ladies
While a sports injury might be a babe magnet, getting a cast on your arm from overuse of a keyboard is probably not going to get you any action.
Similarly, computer use can really start to mess with your eyes. I read an article that said users blink 1/5 of the regular amount while using the computer. Combine that with the fact that white light on a monitor generally is like staring at a light bulb, and you’ve got a problem.
The Solution
No huge sweeping solution. These problems really build up as you go along, but for a young guy like me, it’s a serious concern. I use the trial version of Break Reminder. I set it so that there is a MicroPause every 10 minutes and a rest break every 30. The micropause is a 20 second pause that lets me get up, stretch my legs and look outside.
Optomisterists reccomened that you follow the 20/20/20 rule. After 20 mins of computer use, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. I do it every 10 to make up for those days when I forget to turn Break Reminder on.
Just take some breaks, give your body a rest and you’ll never end up sick. At least, not from the computer anyways.
Note: This demo version lasts forever, as long as you don’t mind their annoying messages.
Download Break Reminder Free