Today I came to the realization that I spend entirely too much time on the computer. As a freelance writer, I use my computer and Internet to make money. Therefore, I find myself staring into a bright computer screen for a few hours each day. However, I think five years of online copy writing is beginning to take it’s toll, and I deal with eye strain at least three times a month, and each episode lingers for days.

But the problem isn’t only my job. I stopped working around the clock a long time ago. Nowadays, I work a few hours in the morning, and I spend the rest of my day working on personal projects and enjoying a little leisure time. Unfortunately, my leisure time also involves the computer. And even though I don’t work morning, nights or weekends, I feel as if I’m always glued to the computer.

Even when I plan to unplug and give my eyes a break….I can’t. I use the Internet for practically everything - catching up on local news, reading celebrity gossip, paying bills, playing games, diagnosing myself with a life-threatening illness (I’m a bit of a hypochondriac) and the list goes on. The Internet is my hobby. And while it cures my boredom, I don’t know if my eyes can handle much more.

Last week, the Work Shak blog offered some fabulous tips on dealing with computer strain. I’m definitely going to look into other pastimes. Perhaps I’ll read a book or take up drawing. But in the meantime, I’ll practice a few of these tips and see if I notice a difference - if my eyes don’t work, I can’t work….