Step Away from the Computer: Take a Break with Workrave

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.workrave.org/welcome/' target='_blank'>http://www.workrave.org/welcome/</a><br /><br /></div>As many of you know, I've struggled with RSI problems throughout much of my computer-using life. <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,9806">While ART therapy has been a good solution for me</a>, the ongoing process of stretching needs to be a part of the solution. If you're anything like me, once you start focusing on something, hours will pass before you even move a muscle or get up. So when I found Workrave, I wanted to pass it along - I plan on installing it and using it myself.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/splash.png" /> <br /><br />"Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The program frequently alerts you to take micro-pauses, rest breaks and restricts you to your daily limit. Please refer to the feature comparison for a complete list of features, and how the program performs with respect to other programs on the market. The program runs on GNU/Linux and Microsoft Windows."

[easylife]

This sounds like a pretty good idea depending on how customizable it is. What really gets me is this comparison table (http://www.workrave.org/features/) of similar products! :lol:

[David Prahl]

Or you can just install Windows 98 First Edition! It'll re-boot itself every few hours, which will give you enough time to stand up and yell at the top of your lungs (great exercise!).

Or purposely infect your PC with the Blaster worm. That'll do the trick!


:lol:

[oopfrank]

I have used a similar program for the past few years called xwrits and it has helped tremendously considering the cumulative effect of years of stress from programming and playing doom every single day for hours on end.

However, if you are serious about working through RSI problems, I would HIGHLY recommend you switch to the dvorak keyboard layout. I have used it for 2 years or so and (trying not to sound overly dramatic) it has changed my life. Whereas, at one point, the tingling in my right fingers and slight numbness in the outside palm of my hand had me fearing for my future ability to work (and play!) with computers, I no longer exhibit any of those symptoms and do not think at all about hand problems. Of course, I still am careful to rest every 20 minutes (I have configured xwrits for 5 minute breaks every 20 minutes) and get enough exercise (also important!) but those days are past.

Here is a good reference link if you're interested:

http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/jcb/Dvorak/

It took me probably a month (cold turkey) to get to a non-frustrating level of proficiency and I probably surpassed my former typing speed within 4-6 months. That was never a goal but, hey, I'll take it. :^)

Good luck and email me if you have any questions!

--frank

[qmrq]

Weight lifting... I rarely have RSI problems. :)

[ricksfiona]

Weight lifting... I rarely have RSI problems. :)

Yup, me too. But considering how many gyms there are and the number of people who visit them, I would say about 5 - 10% of our total population see the inside of a gym on a regular basis.

[wocket]

Good idea. My old motorcycle injuries are starting to hit me now (smashed my left wrist and sholder) and working at my computer can be a pain at times.

I have only the one problem with this bit of sotware and that is the temptation of hitting the skip button everytime it comes up and i'm really busy.

I also have a stress ball I can squeeze when i'm at my keyboard which is great for stretching out those fingers also handy for throwing at people.

[TopDog]

I downloaded it three hours ago, and it's small, simple and great. I don't have any RSI problems, but this is a great way of preventing it... I adjusted the timers a little bit though... I don't have time to take THAT many breaks :-)

A feature I would like to see, is those exercises to pop up automaticly when you take a break...

[commander66]

I tried Workpace for a month now and was really impressed of how it helped me in preventing pain in my arms and back.

Now that there is a free software is simply great.

Thanks for the link, Jason

[Terry]

The image used in the application is a bit too vivacious & cutesy for distribution in a business office.

[stjohn1335]

Lifting weights actually exacerbates the pain, and is not recommended for RSI sufferers (according to my doctor). I get computer-related hand pain, and I used to try and weightlift my woes away, but it always inflamed things worse. You have to start with complete rest for a few weeks (like any of us have that much time to spare) followed by very incremental increases in weights, stopping at any sign of pain.

I use Dragon Naturally Speaking 7, and I can do just about anything now (in internet explorer, I can click on links, images, scroll the page down, etc). Of course, you have to have your own office to do that or you'll drive everyone nuts saying "page down, page down..." every few seconds.

I also use a product from www.naturalpoint.com, which for $100 lets me control my mouse with a reflective dot on my head (though the computer can't be too close to bright light like a window). You have to be careful though, because after a few hours you can get a stiff neck.

The combination of these products has really increaded my work (and play) output, and minimized my hand pain.