BlackBerry thumb is an irritation of the muscles and tendons at the base of the thumb and is a rapidly growing condition as more people use thumb-operated gadgets. Although it is a treatable condition following the tips below can help prevent BlackBerry thumb:
- Avoiding constant thumb-typing by switching to tapping with other fingers, or use both thumbs to type instead of one.
- Only use your BlackBerry to send short messages, if this is unavoidable give your thumbs a break when typing long messages.
- Don't answer all e-mails from your BlackBerry. Leave non-urgent e-mails to when you get back to your computer.
- Use shortcuts. This not only helps to get tasks done faster but it reduces the need to scroll.
- Use the AutoText feature. This will automatically change common spelling mistakes and also allow for shortcut words.
Healthy Tips for Office Workers
1. Take regular posture breaks - recommended 5 mins every ½ hour
2. Alternate tasks to minimise postural discomfort
3. Perform stretches during posture breaks
4. Ensure workstation is set-up according to best practice
5. Place frequently used items within easy reach
6. Use your lunch break to exercise - going for a 15 minute walk. Do not take it at your desk
7. Hydrate - drink water throughout the working day to minimise fatigue related to static postures
Get more information on Ergonomic Training and Ergonomic Assessments.
Tips to Manage Stress
Put simply, stress is the response that we have as individuals when our ability to cope with what is being asked of us, or what we are asking of ourselves, exceeds what we can deliver. In times of greatest pressure and stress we tend to forget about ourselves. We are often too busy, too worried or too tired to look after ourselves. However, it's times like these that we need to give ourselves the best chance of surviving the stressful time by being fit, healthy and as relaxed as possible.
Some useful tips:
- Think differently
- Act differently
- Have a healthy lifestyle
Get more information on Stress Management or visit the Psychological Services section
Sleep Hygiene Tips to Work Better
If you are often tired, irritable and not giving your best during the day, you may need more (or better
quality sleep).
Here are some sleeping tips:
- Regularly practising a relaxation exercise in the evening can help you prepare for sleep
- Try not to read, eat, work or watch TV in bed. Your bedroom must be a place associated with going to sleep.
- If you can't get to sleep after about 15 minutes, get out of bed and do something not too stimulating (e.g. watch TV or read a book) in another room. Once you feel sleepy again, go back to bed.
- Repeat the process if you still can't get to sleep.
- Keep to a routine at night as much as possible, so your body recognises it as a signal to wind down, ready to sleep.
- Don't have a heavy meal just before bed, as you body will be working hard to digest it.
- If you do have coffee or cigarettes at night, don't have them too close to bed time
Get more Sleeping Tips or visit the Psychological Services section for more details.
Well-Being Tips
Your daily habits combined with what you eat and drink are very important for your overall health and well-being. Psychological Services offers detailed information about:
Visit the Psychological Services section for more details.
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