Making Good Use of Tools to Coexist Peacefully with Computers
The negative impacts of computers on physical and mental health are increasingly recognized. How can we minimize harm?
Enhance Self-Health Awareness: Take short breaks during work. Generally, computer users should rest for about 10 minutes after every hour of continuous work. Ideally, step outside the workspace to stretch limbs and torso. Regular physical exercise strengthens overall fitness.
Pay Attention to Work Environment: Lighting in the computer room should be moderate—not too bright or dim. Avoid direct light hitting the screen, which creates glare. Keep the workspace ventilated and dry to quickly expel harmful gases. Prefer non-impact printers to reduce noise.
Correct Operating Posture: Position the center of the computer screen at the same height as the user’s chest. Use adjustable-height chairs if possible. Sit with enough space to stretch your legs—avoid crossing them, as this impedes blood circulation.
Protect Vision: Avoid prolonged continuous computer use. Take regular breaks. Maintain an optimal posture: keep eyes 40–50 cm from the screen, looking straight ahead or slightly downward. This relaxes neck muscles and minimizes eye exposure.
Nutritional Supplementation: Prolonged screen time depletes retinal rhodopsin, primarily synthesized from vitamin A. Thus, computer users should eat more carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, tofu, red dates, oranges, milk, eggs, animal liver, and lean meat to replenish vitamin A and protein. Drinking tea regularly helps, as tea polyphenols and other active substances aid in absorbing and resisting radioactive substances.
Maintain Skin Cleanliness: Computer screens carry static electricity, attracting dust that settles on exposed facial and hand skin. Over time, this may lead to rashes, pigmentation, or even skin lesions.