# WEB 3 and your health

By [KeKaterina](https://paragraph.com/@kekaterina) · 2022-12-22

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**Why computer ergonomics?**

Many people spend hours a day in front of a computer without thinking about the impact on their bodies. They physically stress their bodies daily without realizing it by extending their wrists, slouching, sitting without foot support and straining to look at poorly placed monitors.

These practices can lead to cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive stress injuries, which create a life-long impact on health. Symptoms may include pain, muscle fatigue, loss of sensation, tingling and reduced performance.

Ergonomics is a field of study that attempts to reduce strain, fatigue, and injuries by improving product design and workspace arrangement. The goal is a comfortable, relaxed posture.

**What should we do?**

**1) Modify Your Body Mechanics**

Do you wear eyeglasses? Make sure they fit properly to avoid tilting your head.

Type with light strokes, and try to keep your muscles relaxed.

Sit "tall," aligning your ears, shoulders and hips. When you sit, think about making yourself an inch taller.

Switch hands when using a mouse, if you are able.

Completely rest your wrists during breaks, including taking your hands off the mouse.

**2) Adjust Your Work Patterns**

Reduce prolonged computer time whenever possible.

Break work into smaller segments and switch between tasks that use different motions. For example, alternate use of mouse with reading and searching the web.

**3) Move !**

Movement has many benefits: it relaxes tissues, lubricates joints and prevents stiffness, improves circulation, reduces fatigue, and builds stamina. One study showed that heavy computer users who successfully avoided computer-related pain moved every 7 minutes.

At least every 10 minutes, take a short (10-20 second) break. Take your hands off the keyboard and move!

Every 30-60 minutes, take a brief (2-5 minute) break to stretch and/or walk around.

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*Originally published on [KeKaterina](https://paragraph.com/@kekaterina/web-3-and-your-health)*