If you are sitting in front of your computer, day in and day out, for hours on end... then this post is for you! Just a few simple tips for resolving "cabin fever" and "brain mush", coming from a woman who has been in a home-office environment for almost 10 years now π
- Grab your laptop and work out on the patio!
- Open doors & windows for fresh air (and so you can actually hear that there IS a real world out there!)
- Turn on a local radio station. Not only will the music do you wonders, but you might even hear the local weather and even some news. Great for those of us that don't venture out much π
- Get involved locally. If you have kids, encourage them to play softball (ball parks are fun!!). Find a church you like. Join a local aerobics class, or sign up for a creative writing class at the community college. ANYTHING, just put youself out there once or twice a week.
- Meet a friend for lunch. One that doesnt have a clue about this web stuff, that forces you to make conversation about other things altogether. (yes, there are "other things"!)
- Go to conferences & seminars. Check out PubCon, SES, etc. Educational, insanely motivating, FUN... and a tax write-off to boot π
What about you? What do you do to keep from finding yourself stir-crazy as a full time work-at-home computer geek??
Great additions, Henrik!
(but I think I am warped now imagining everyone in their underwear π )
ROFL, now I'm picturing everyone in their pajamas.
I have to echo what's already been said Lynn.
I've also implemented my own personal rule...Sundays mean the computer stays off. Sometimes I'll turn it on for about 30 minutes in the morning to blog or check e-mail, what have you, but for the most part - Sundays are computer free.
Also, take mini-breaks. I have a timer that goes off every hour which reminds me to take a 5 or 10 minute break from the computer. It helps to save your eyes and your sanity :D.
~ Teli
I would add:
Eat real meals - and don't eat it in front of the computer.
Wear real clothes - and underwear and pajamas doesn't count.
Don't work too hard - just because the computer is there doesn't mean you have to work on it
Some great tips here.
I'm always taking frequent breaks and usually take alot weekends off ESPECIALLY during the summer time when I can be out on the patios by the beach or waterfront and having a few (?) nice, cold beverages out in the sunshine.
I DO take a quick look at emails and such before I venture out, though! π
[quote from Henrik]"Wear real clothes - and underwear and pajamas doesn’t count."
Waddaya mean? "Underwear and pajamas (people still wear pajamas? heh heh) AREN'T clothes? LOLOL
My FREE time is very important to me and always has been. π
Rick Wilson aka CorpRebel
Oh definitely!
I grab a walk each day, rain or shine to shake the cobwebs. Sometimes when I return, I actually understand what I'm doing.
I'm pretty much off weekends...unless my wife takes off with the boys for a day or two. Once they were gone for a month and I didn;t even notice.
Awwww geez, Lynny! Didya have to mention PubCon again?!?
I usually sit in the shade, and facing the sun (so that my screen isnt). Sometimes I have to adjust my screen settings too (brightness)... and honestly, evenings are best!
May need to move somewhere where it rains less to sit outside but the idea is a lovely one - always a thoght though, I can never see the laptop screen outside?
Rachel
http://www.computerincome.net"