ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE NZ

The Alexander Technique and Computers

Many people who use computers experience a range of problems, including pain, fatigue, tension, back problems, RSI , OOS and other shoulder, neck, arm and hand problems.

Lessons in the Alexander Technique can help many with these.

Sitting all day at work is a relatively recent act; many people didn't do this before the early 20th century. Our bodies and minds don't cope well with such single-minded focus for long periods of time. We slouch and slump, generating shoulder and neck tension.

Some aspects of computer design can be difficult to cope with; for instance, at a desktop, the best place for a mouse when it's on the right side of the keyboard is generally where the numeric keypad is. This makes us move the mouse further right or forward, potentially causing shoulder and arm strain. However, how we deal with this is more important than the positional problem - some people do not suffer difficulties from this same stressful stimulus. We're quite capable of defeating the best intentions of ergonomists and occupational health and safety professionals, quite unconsciously.

An Alexander Technique teacher can help us to pay more attention to how we do things and to change our postural habits. In an Alexander lesson we learn how to accomplish simple everyday acts such as sitting, standing and moving our arms with minimum effort, and with comfort and ease. Rather than causing stress, pain and tiredness, work can become more enjoyable and productive.

ATTSNZ is a member of the international Affiliated Societies of the Alexander Technique (ASAT)