Bloggers at risk

Bloggers and other people who use computers all day, whether for work or play, run a risk of injuring themselves or getting headaches. Yesterday I woke up with a terrible migraine - a result, I think, of working too much on the computer.

I often switch on my Mac to check my mail as soon as I wake up, and then start using the computer after I've finished my chores, but sometimes even while I'm eating breakfast. I then use the computer practically all day long - posting on my blogs, gathering info for the posts, dropping Entrecards, entering contests, and looking for ways to earn money. Then there's always making graphics, reading ebooks, and I could go on and on - there's just so much to do!

So yesterday I woke up with this terrible migraine, and any light made it worse - when I switched on the computer the pain immediately spiked up and I even felt nauseous. I tried to bear it because I had to fix up my new blog, but after a few minutes I had to give up and go lie down again.

But headaches are not the only things bloggers are risking - RSI is also a common problem with people who work on computers all day. My uncle even had to get his arms operated, because they had become almost unusable from the pain - he is now slowly starting to regain strength in them.

I bought an application called "MacBreakZ 4" to help prevent RSI - it monitors my keyboard and mouse activity and warns me when I'm putting myself at risk. It also pops up a window periodically with exercises for me to do that should help prevent RSI. The problem is, I often get irritated by it and switch it off! Then after a few hours I start feeling pain in my arms and I switch it on again, but I really have to learn to leave it on all the time and take breaks when it tells me to.

How much time do you spend in front of the computer every day? And do you do anything to prevent yourself from getting headaches, burning eyes, or RSI? Please leave a comment, I'd love to hear your answers!