You should be taking frequent breaks throughout your day. If you work an
eight hour shift with one lunch break, you should also take at least two extra
five to ten minute breaks to stretch.
Neck: bend your neck to the side to relieve shoulder
pressure and neck pressure.
Wrists: Flex and extend your wrists and hands with gentle pressure to
help relieve wrist strain.
Fingers: Open your fingers as wide as you can and hold for five
seconds. Then make fists and tighten as hard as you can. Hold for five seconds.
Eyes: Blink your eyes. Close them for a minute or so. Computer
screens can strain your eyes.
Body: Get up and walk around! Stretch your arms up as high as you
can, like you would upon wakening. Do some stretches that make you feel better.
Breath: Take a breather. When we work on computers, we tend to breath
short breaths. Take a few minutes to take long, slow, relaxing deep breaths.
This can help rejuvenate you and your body will certainly appreciate it.
Note: If you are experienced any long-term pain, strain, or soreness, you
should see your medical professional or physical therapist as soon as possible.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends the following stretches
for people who work on computer workstations:
There are many ways to stay healthy while working on a computer for long
periods of time. Ergonomics and taking breaks will help reduce your chances of
getting carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and tenosynovitis, as well as damage
to your tendons, tendon sheaths or nerves of the hands, wrists, elbows,
shoulders, neck and/or back