Taking Breaks And Varying Your Tasks - HP Compaq Presario,Presario 6330 Supplementary Manual

Taking Breaks and Varying Your Tasks

As noted earlier in this Guide, your furniture
placement, office equipment, and lighting
are only a few of the factors that determine
comfort. Your work habits are also very
important. Remember the following:
Take Breaks
When you work at your computer for long
periods, take short breaks at least once per
hour and preferably more often. You may find
that frequent, short breaks will benefit you
more than fewer, longer breaks.
If you find that you forget to take breaks, use
a timer or specialized software. Several
software tools are available that remind you
to take breaks at intervals you specify.
During your breaks, stand up and stretch,
especially any muscles and joints you may
have held in an extended static posture while
using the computer.
Vary Your Tasks
Examine your work habits and the types of
tasks you perform. Break up the routine and
try to vary your tasks during the day. By
doing so, you may avoid sitting in one
position or performing the same activities
continuously for several hours using your
hands, arms, shoulders, neck, or back. For
example, you could print out your work to
proofread rather than proofing from your
monitor.
Reduce Sources of Stress
Take an inventory of things at work that are
stressful to you. If you perceive that your
physical or psychological health is being
affected, take time to evaluate what changes
you can make to reduce or eliminate the
sources of stress.
TIPS
Try it and see
Contrary to what some may believe, several
studies have found that productivity does NOT
decline when frequent short breaks are added
to the day.
Breathe deeply
Breathe fresh air deeply and regularly. The
intense mental concentration that may
accompany computer use may tend to cause
breath-holding or shallow breathing.
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