Do you ever feel like you are chained to your desk? The only window to the world, the small computer screen that is slowing making your eyes go square. If so, you are not alone. Many jobs are performed on computers. This is increasing even more so due to the lockdown restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
So, how can you relieve stress when stuck at the computer? Here are our top tips
Invest in the best equipment
Some employers make the mistake of scrimping on IT equipment. Why do you need a £1000 laptop when MS Office works fine on a £200 laptop? That may indeed be the case, but try running them side by side. Your £1000 laptop will boot in a matter of seconds, and switching between 10 Excel documents will be almost instant. Switch to the £200 laptop, and you could be waiting several minutes before you can start your work each day, followed by frustrating delays and unresponsive apps when you try to handle many large files. Just as a mechanic or carpenter will invest in high-quality tools, you should do the same for office workers. The laptop is the most important tool. Add up all that lost productivity, and you’ll quickly realise that little bit more investment works wonders. Following are some of the tips that can make a difference, there’s an online pharmacy called Click Pharmacy which have an interesting blog you can look at for more tips.
Provide comfortable furniture
There is nothing more important than sitting comfortably when working at a computer. Investing in sturdy, adjustable, comfortable chairs will help make the user more relaxed and assist with good posture. It will help reduce the incidence of RSI, and ensure the user is aligned correctly with the screen. Of course, some people prefer to stand while using a computer. In these instances, adjustable height desks are vital to allow the screen and keyboard be set to the correct position.
Taking breaks
The most crucial thing computer users should do to help relieve stress is to take regular short breaks. Perhaps 10-15 minutes every hour. This does not mean switching to YouTube for 10 minutes, but to actually stand up, and get away from your desk. Preferably by getting some light exercise and fresh air outside. Most smartwatches actively monitor your movement and will alert you if you have not taken a break recently. This is a great way to ensure you get that much-needed break.
Switch off at night
Computers are becoming more and more important in our lives. We use them for work, play, entertainment, communication, almost every aspect of life. This has become even more true during recent COVID-19 lockdown situations. After a long day of working hard at your PC, it is time to switch off. Try to find some other activities to perform that do not involve looking at a screen, e.g. do some cooking, go for a run, play with the kids, basically anything that gets you away from the artificial light of computer screens.
Final thoughts
Working at a computer is always more stressful than you first imagine. The exercise of working at a computer screen pushes your body both mentally and physically. It is therefore vital your working environment is made as comfortable as possible. Investing in good quality equipment and furniture gives you a good start. Taking regular breaks and switching off at night then really makes a difference.
