Do You Take Time Off?

Christie,

I don't believe there is a right or wrong in this as long as you are aware of yourself in the process. By that, I mean that you recognize when you get stressed. Whether you know it or not, you most likely do. Understand that your body needs change - it needs to move around, get exercise and fresh air to stay healthy. That's really the main issue here.

Sitting in front of the computer 18+ hours a day is just not healthy, regardless of how much you enjoy what you do. Your spine gets set from sitting too long and over time, you most surely will develop problems in your joints and your spine from lack of movement. All those "connections" throughout the body need to be stretched and twisted to keep them flexible and healthy.

I know what you mean about enjoying your work. I love doing anything that involves working with graphics - designing-type stuff. I can spend hours and always hate it when the project ends (unless it was especially problematic). I've worked until all hours because I've been so absorbed in my work. But to do that every single day? Not for 18 hours, no.

Your body will tell you when you need to get away from the computer for awhile. You will notice yourself shifting in your seat, sliding into bad positions, perhaps a few aches in different parts of your body - your mouse wrist is prone to pain after awhile, as are neck aches and stiffness. You might not notice them now, but over time, they will develop.

And then there are your internal organs. Your heart is a muscle - it needs exercise just like other muscles in your body. Many people don't think of that. Stomach muscles help the elimination process. If they are weak, everything slows down and becomes less efficient.

Listen to your body and take a break. It's best if you take regular breaks frequently throughout the day, rather than just one long break. Even your mind needs to rest at some point.

I agree with Roger, too. Getting out into the fresh air is a great way to refresh yourself.

When I worked in an office, I always went outside during breaks because I just love the outdoors. In fact, it was extremely painful for me to stay locked indoors 5 days a week - 8 hours a day. I was absolutely beside myself when I switched to Journalism and got to come and go as I pleased - much of it covering outside events (running after parades and climbing up and down a huge flight of stairs to the news office 15 or more times a day). I was probably one of the healthiest 54-year-olds.

Since I switched to internet marketing, all that workout ended. I noticed a significant difference in my fitness level after about 8 years. And then I got my dog - a Shepherd that likes long walks. It took me 6 months to get back in shape and now I feel much better.

You say you force yourself to go to bed at 2 a.m. It wouldn't surprise me if you get a good sleep going to bed directly after shutting down your computer. Your mind needs time to unwind in preparation for sleep. If I work late, regardless of how late, I need to take about an hour (30 min. minimum) before I can go to bed. Otherwise, I just won't sleep as well.

The best I can offer is that you would do well to listen to your body and treat it like your best friend.

Sylvia