The Benefits of Taking Breaks Throughout Your Computing Day

When you're writing your bestselling novel, pounding out code, or raiding a dungeon in World of Warcraft (hey, we don't judge here), it's easy to sit at the computer for hours on end, barely moving more than your fingers and eyes. 

You might not think that such an innocuous position as "sitting" could be detrimental to your health, but long periods spent like this can make you vulnerable to eyesight deterioration, back and hand pain, headaches and eye problems.  And let's not forget our old friend, repetitive stress injuries (such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome).

Breaks Bring Benefits

An easy way to combat these problems is to take "micro breaks" several times an hour while you're at the computer.  These breaks don't need to be long--even 30 seconds is better than nothing--and you'll probably find they increase your mental alertness and productivity.

Try some stretching exercises that involve the whole body and get the blood flowing.  If you can, try jumping up and down or running in place or even a few pushups. 

If you're busy working for The Man, you might not be able to get up and wander around (or start a boot-camp workout at your desk), but there are many stretches you can do while still sitting in your chair.  You can even find computer yoga programs meant to be done at your desk.

Lastly, pick up a break reminder program (just Google that for several free options) to give you a little nudge and let you know it's time to stop working.  If you're like I was, you'll be shocked at how quickly 15 or 30 minutes go by, so don't just rely on yourself to remember to take those breaks.

Comments

[Ola Lindberg]

I have used Workrave (a free work reminder program) for years. At first I was a bit annoyed when it prompted me to take breaks but when getting used to it I feel less stressed and more structured when I take breaks often.

I currently have it set up the following way; every 5 minutes a 30 second break and every 30 minutes a 5 minutes break.

If you are hesitant run it for a couple of weeks and try!

[George Bailey]

You are right, when you get immersed in something, time just vaporizes somehow. The hourly chime on my wristwatch has now become invisible it seems - I don't even hear it anymore, so I'll try one of the software solutions to break up time. Thanks!

[Alec]

Great tips! I'm at my computer desk/computer so much, that sometimes it feels normal to be sitting for the majority of the day! It's not good for my health at all, and now I am going to take a break every 15 minutes or so. Thanks for sharing!

[Steve]

You can get Worksafe Sam from WCB of British Columbia off their website - it's another free program.

You can google it, or I have posted a link here: http://www.ergo-motion.com/worksafe-sam-stretch-prompter/

[Carpal Tunnel Freedom]

I find it amazing how many people are afraid to take breaks and block their "work flow". One of my biggest points I give during my Workshops is taking frequent breaks to lesson the damage to the wrists, and ultimately be more productive during the day. Here is a link for a quick and easy wrist workout.

[Phil]

To the above commenter, the thing is, that does happen. If I take breaks I tend to lose my mojo, so to speak, and its way hard for me to get back to work. If I'm just straight up working, though, I can plow through for hours on end.