Am I the only one who’s ever felt it? All you entrepreneurs spend ALL DAY in front of a computer screen. Writing, typing, programming, THINKING. By the time you walk away from it, you’ve got what I call a Technology Hang-over. Your eyes are blood shot, your head aches, and your neck is likely stiff. Does this sound familiar?
In this day of work-from-home technology-infused business opportunities, we’re all in the same boat. No one (that I know of) addresses the problem of what to do at the end of the day when you feel terrible from sitting and staring all day long. If typing burned calories, I’d be 20 pounds lighter rather than my spread a couple inches wider. Over the years, I’ve come up with a couple ways to avoid this unwanted side affect from too much technology:
- Create a reminder or an appointment to get up and walk around. Sad but true, we now have to purposely schedule this kind of time into our calendars. At least I haven’t had to schedule in bathroom time…yet!
- Pace while you’re on the phone. If you’re lucky enough to have contact with the outside world, even if by phone, then get moving while you’re talking! Invest in a hands-free headset for your phone so you can take your talk time as walk time too.
- Splurge on a Treadmill Desk. That’s right – someone (A doctor at the Mayo Clinic!) invented a desk that is integrated with a treadmill. If you can afford the cool $6,500 for it, go for it and let me know how it works for you. I tried one at a conference recently and although it only goes up to 2 mph (I guess that’s all you can do and accurately type at the same time), over an 8 hour day they say you can burn an average of 100 extra calories per hour. The nice part is, there is a version that you can rotate so you can also sit down when you want to. Costs more, it’s less effective, but I guess if you’re a true couch potato you’ll need that out.
- Just say no. Take a day or at least an afternoon of unplugged time. Pretend that your internet is out (OK you guys, stop hyperventilating!). Really…what’s the worst that can happen? You can take a walk through the woods or have lunch with a friend. Find a reason to step away from the screen and no one will get hurt.
I am curious – does anyone else have this problem? I am SURE it isn’t just entrepreneurs that experience this and I know I’m not the only one. What do you do to either avoid or get over your Technology Hang-Over?
Julie Lenzer Kirk is a serial entrepreneur, author, and mom. She is the founder of Path Forward International, which provides companies and individuals a “Boot in the Butt(TM)” to launch new ideas, grow existing ventures, find their work/life balance and fine tune their leadership skills. Her book, “The ParentPreneur Edge: What Parenting Teaches About Building a Successful Business” (Wiley) is available online wherever books are sold.
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No, my goodness, no! You’re not the only one. I’ve been sitting in front of a computer screen for almost three years now (almost literally!). I injured my back and had to give up working outside my home. Ever since then I’ve been working online, at home, as a transcriptionist and Web Developer.
I spend 12 to 18 hours a day in front of this computer. I’ve gotten my days and nights turned around. Most of the time, I sleep on the couch, which is about 10 feet from my desk. I hardly ever see the sun anymore, except thru tinted windows. My back hurts anyway, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t helping. And I’ve gained 10 pounds in the last year.
No, you’re not the only one, and it’s VERY unhealthy. However, knowing that doesn’t seem to be enough motivation for me to take those much needed breaks. For one thing, I’m addicted to the Internet. Secondly, this is likely going to be my only source of income for the rest of my life (I’m 51 now), so I work feverishly, trying to get something going to bring in more money.
It’s my life now.
Thanks for an interesting post. I’ll try to get outside and take a walk today.
She really has a good reportation in the technology market . She oughts to be the best in the field
http://www.gadgetadvisor.com
In this day of work-from-home technology-infused business opportunities, we’re all in the same boat.
I can fully relate to this feeling.. ouch.. I have been there many times.. I feel like a break from the computer now lol..
Nice article. Being a woman, I feel more postive after reading it.
You don’t even have to “splurge” on the Treadmill desk. Get a pre owned treadmill from craigslist or ebay and make your own. It’s definitely worth it. For more info you can check out me struttin my stuff on this Treadmill Desk Video I made.