Ryan Sael
How long do you sit in front of a computer each day? This modern electronic device that’s made to exchange information is used every day by everyone. Be it by children, adolescents, young adults, to adults. They all know well on how to operate computer and to fully get the advantage from it. They don’t mind staring at their computer for many hours in a day. Most people even think that working everyday using the computer sounds fun and relaxing.
Well, the truth is, even if sitting by the computer every time sounds relaxing, it could have many impact for the user. A quite surprising fact states that until now, our body is still not used to be staying in a same position –which is sitting down- for a long time. So yes, the frequency and the duration of using computer everyday can really impact your health. Be it for a short term impact, or even a long term impact.
By now, you shouldn’t be surprised if you feel the pain in your wrist, arm, necks, or even other body parts when you’ve been using the computers for too long. If you are curious about some of the pain that can be caused by using the computers for too long, check this list:
Vision problems
This is the most obvious risk you will get when you are staring at the computer for too long. Your glare at the computer somehow creates problems and puts more stress in your eyes. This symptom is called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).
Some common symptoms of this are headache, dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye strain. But don’t worry though since this isn’t a long term problem. Computer Vision Syndrome only appears if you’re using computer too much. With that said, if you reduce your computer usage CVS will disappear.
Physical Health Problems
In which position do you use the computer? Sitting down right? Be surprised, because sitting down for too long turns out lead your body to many physical health problem. For instance, backache.
More importantly, it’s a highly dangerous long term health risk. Sitting down for too long affects your blood circulation and your back undergoes a steady stress which then lead to other disease. Just to mention a few of the long term effects, there are obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which in the end shorten your life time.
Mental health problem
Most people play computer by sitting down inside their room, by themselves. This means, while playing the computer, no real-life interaction happens. People only interact with their online friends and they don’t meet face to face.
This dependency on the computer can make people develop a habit of hiding from real-life problem. People can become addicted to computer and neglect family and social activities. More dangerously, they can even develop anti-social, depression, and anxiety mental health problem.
These 3 main problems will surely shorten your lifespan if you don’t do something about it.
So, am I going to die anytime soon If I use computer too much daily?
Well, don’t get overreacted. Now that we know some main problems caused by playing computer for too long, are there any way to improve our health without cutting computer completely out of our life? Of course there are!
Firstly, to avoid the bad eye effect, use a high quality device in a right size. Do not glare at the computer and never forget to blink. It’s important to keep your eyes moist by blinking. Mind the distance between your eye and the computer and only use the computer inside a perfectly bright room. Lastly, if possible try to focus on an object 6 meters away for 20 seconds once every 20 minutes. Think of this like an eye exercise.
Second, to avoid back problem, do take a break for at least 5 minutes every hour. While doing so, you can drink water to dehydrate the body or just walk back and forth pretending that you have something to take from somewhere. Also, do stretch as much as possible.
Third is for the mental health problem. If you’re already addicted to play computer and avoid real human interaction, force yourself to stop and go out. Meet other people so you never forget how to socialize. Ask your friend, family, or colleagues to have a casual brunch somewhere nice.
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So with all these danger, is computer bad for health? The answer is yes and no. If you use it in moderation, it’s totally okay for your health. But if you use it too much, then your health will definitely be on risk. But even with its dangerous risks, you can avoid them by doing all things stated above.I hope you are fully aware now about your health related to your daily use of computer. Always remember to use computer wisely to improve your health quality.
Just a simple reminder from a daily computer user.
