How Staying On The Computer For Hours Is Ruining Your Health

Staying On The Computer All The Time Can Be Isolating

Staying on the computer all of the time is not healthy for a lot more reasons than you might think, especially if you sit at a computer all day at work. As our society is becoming more and more computer oriented, we are just beginning to learn about the risks that are now associated with sitting at computers for too long of a time. 

Studies are coming out that suggest there is much more harm coming to those who stay on the computer for most of their waking hours than they realize.

Health Problems Caused By Staying on the Computer For Long Hours

There are quite a few myths out there about what computer overuse causes (including sterility and eyesight loss) but real studies show much more common problems arising when a user stays on the computer for long stretches at a time. These problems are fairly obvious and shouldn’t be ignored if you or someone you know is suffering.

Lower Back Pain:

When you sit at the computer for long hours at a time, you may eventually experience lower back pain and other back problems. Sitting down makes your glutes and hip flexors weak - which contributes to a larger belly and back pain when continual stress is put on your lumbar spine.  The remedy: Go for a walk every few hours if you sit on the computer all day.

Obesity:

People who stay on computers for too many hours during the day are likely to weigh an average of 16 pounds more than those who have active jobs. So the longer you stay on the computer, the more out of shape you will eventually become, unless you are an active person. Being overweight by more than 16 pounds can lead to heart problems and diabetes.

Accidental Death:

Constantly texting and playing games on a mobile device can lead to accidental death. Whether you are driving, taking public transportation, or walking, being unaware of your surroundings while you are texting or gaming is just plain dangerous. 

Social Problems Caused By Staying On The Computer For Long Hours

Besides medical problems, there are social problems that stem from staying on the computer for too many hours at a time.

Social Withdrawal:

You may think that you are being very social by gaming or dating online, but you aren’t. If you saw someone reading a book for twelve hours a day, you would make fun of them for being anti-social, or a bookworm. You may think that gaming or dating online is different, but it isn’t. Who are all of these people that you are meeting and making friends with, anyway? They are no more real than any character in a book, except for the fact that they can really harm you.

If you are making up information to get people to like you because you will never meet them in person, this can be dangerous to your self-esteem. You can also bet that these strangers have made up all of their information as well. So what kind of relationship are you having? Not a healthy one. If you aren’t going out to at least three social activities a week, you may need to talk to someone to find a real social group you can join. As well, giving out real information to strangers can be physically harmful if they turn out to be thieves or other kinds of social deviants that really do want to meet you.

Gaming Addiction:

If you are constantly either gaming or looking at adult content or both, you may have a problem that you don’t see. However, don’t be surprised if other people notice it and say something. This is another case where it is important to get away from the computer and take a walk or get involved with a social group.  

See Also: writeyourselfrich.net