John Mayer Calls for a Digital Cleanse to Bring in the New Year

When was the last time you corresponded via a personalized letter? Remember when you actually had to pick up the phone and call someone? With texting, Twitter, Facebook and e-mail replacing everyday communication, the New Year may be a time to take a step back from all of today's technology and remember that you can't always express yourself in 140 characters.

Yesterday, John Mayer urged his Twitter followers to take part in a New Year's Digital Cleanse in an effort to "defrag" our technologically overloaded minds. Mayer suggests a one-week cleanse, beginning January 1st and ending on January 8th, which doesn't require you to completely remove technology from your life, only take a step back. Here's the recipe:

• email only from laptop or desktop computers.

• cell phones can only be used to make calls, and no text messages or e-mails are allowed – if you receive a text, you must reply in voice over the phone.
  

• no use of Twitter or any other social networking site – including reading as well as posting.

• no visiting of any entertainment or gossip sites.

Following these guidelines should be manageable for even the most connected individuals. Work commitments may prevent you from participating in the cleanse, but it is still refreshing to think about how far communication has come, even just over the last year.

Avoid PC Transmitted Disease

Tired of your computer giving you aches and pains? As more and more jobs require constant computer interaction, more and more people are suffering from tendinitis from over-mousing, back spasms from office chairs, and blurred vision from staring at the monitor. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy while you compute:

Mouse A tablet is a better alternative for your wrist than a traditional mouse, but if you can’t get used to using a stylus or if it is cramping up your fingers, choose a mouse that matches the contour of your hand. Also, find a wrist rest that matches the front edge of the keyboard in width, height, slope, and contour.

Keyboard Split keyboard designs are preferred because they allow you to maintain neutral wrist postures. When selecting a keyboard, look for adjustable feet, as this will accommodate a wider range of keyboard positions and angles.

Chair Your chair should be at a height that allows your feet to be flat on the floor and your thighs to be parallel with the floor. Always practice good posture and do not bend your head excessively forward or backward. The back rest should support your lower back.

Monitor Make sure your monitor is clean. The top of your screen should be at or below eye level and the screen should be tilted backward about 10 degrees. A safe distance of 20”-26” should be between your eyes and the screen.