Potential health issues of studying online
Won't studying at a computer be bad for my health? Some people worry that studying at a computer will be bad for them, and there are some particular risks that have been identified. However, there is plenty of advice to help you alleviate these risks.
The problems you might find are:
Eye strain: Working at a screen causes you to stare more intently at a small area than you would under other circumstances.
Upper limb disorders: These are sometimes referred to as RSI (repetitive strain injury).
Headaches: Some people report headaches after working at a screen for a long period.
Hence we suggest the following tips to alleviate most of these problems:
- Take frequent breaks.
- Get your position comfortable, e.g. give yourself sufficient legroom.
- Make sure your chair and desk are the right height – your lower arms should be roughly horizontal and your feet flat on the floor.
- Make your working environment comfortable, e.g. arrange your monitor to avoid bright reflections on the screen.
- Use the mouse correctly – keep the mouse within easy reach, do not grip it too tightly, and rest your fingers lightly on the buttons.
- Adjust your screen brightness and contrast to suit you and the lighting conditions.
RSI (repetitive strain injury) is a condition that may be linked to long periods of work at computers. To help avoid this, make sure that your workstation (computer, chair and desk) is set up correctly and take frequent breaks in which you exercise or stretch.
There are a number of websites designed to help you use your personal computer safely and comfortably. An alarm clock or kitchen timer with a loud ring, placed out of your reach when seated at the computer, can be a very effective reminder to take a break.