Five Ways To Reduce Headaches Caused By Your Computer
Modern life is full of screens, both at work and at home. The average American now spends over eight hours every day in front of a computer, television or other electronic device, and the health implications of this trend are only now becoming clear. Too much screen time, for example, can lead to headaches and eye strain that persist for hours after you sign off. If you experience regular headaches due to your computer usage but can't cut back on your hours spent in front of one, follow these five steps to give your head some relief.
Changing Your Computer's Settings
While your eyes are busy scanning websites, documents, videos and games, they are constantly exposed to unnatural levels of brightness and contrast. This extra stress is unnoticeable in moderation, but over time it can weaken your eyes and leave them feeling tired and sore. Lower the intensity of your computer's display and install glare filters to cut down on your eyes' exposure to light throughout the day.
Adjusting Your Posture
Long hours in front of a computer can lead to tense muscles, especially when you are sitting with poor posture. Combined with sore eyes, the pain radiating from aching muscles in your neck and back can turn into a debilitating tension headache. To encourage better posture, keep your back straight while seated and position the top of your monitor so that it is at the center of your vision, allowing you to read more comfortably.
Keeping Your Eyes Lubricated
People staring at screens blink both less frequently and less efficiently, meaning your eyes can quickly dry out following regular computer use. To prevent further strain, keep yourself well hydrated while you work and periodically moisten any contact lenses. If you can, focus on blinking more often, but eye drops are an easy temporary solution to this issue.
Taking Breaks From the Screen
All of the physical strain that causes headaches can be quickly alleviated by taking short breaks throughout your day. Get away from screens by taking a walk outside, stretching or grabbing lunch. Even a five-minute pause every couple of hours can help you feel refreshed and ready for the work ahead.
Reducing Stress
Headaches can also be triggered by psychological factors such as stress, which often piles up while working in an online setting. Meeting strict deadlines and being expected to multitask has made modern workplaces more frantic and fast-paced than ever before. By taking time to pursue hobbies and organize your professional life into more manageable pieces, you may be able to reduce your stress levels and hopefully avoid a few headaches in the process.
Share
