NAP- Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket

Tips from computers to Stress?

Computer Cleaning Help

You love to eat and compute. You've dropped more crumbs than Hansel and Gretel; and now they're trapped in your keyboard. Here are the best ways to keep your work space free of food residue, dirt, and germs.

monitor
Turn off the computer, then wipe the screen with a clean soft cloth or a tissue slightly dampened with water. Cleaning solvents are too harsh for most monitors, and dedicated computer-cleaning cloths often leave a soapy film. Wipe the monitor's exterior with a cloth moistened with a mild all-purpose cleaner, like Windex. (Never spray cleaner directly onto the computer.)

mouse
Unplug the mouse, unscrew the bottom, and remove the ball; blow dust from the casing with compressed air (about $5 a can at office-supply stores); and wipe the ball and interior getting around the three rollers with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol. Let the ball dry completely before closing.

keyboard
Disconnect the keyboard, turn it over, then gently shake; clean between the keys with a few blasts of compressed air. Clean the keys with Q-tips dipped in alcohol or a cloth moistened with a mild all-purpose cleaner. If you tend to eat and drink while working, consider buying a clear plastic guard (about $15 at office-supply stores) that can be left on while you type.

phone
Wipe the surface and cord with a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild all-purpose cleaner. (Don't spray the cleaner directly onto the phone.) Use an antibacterial wipe or a tissue dipped in alcohol to clean the mouth- and earpieces, especially after you've been sick or someone else has used your phone

FIGHT ON-THE-JOB STRESS

Does your job stress you out?

More than half of workers report working under stress, according to a recent CareerBuilder.com survey. Stress and worry on the job can be harmful, causing problems that damage your health and performance. Signs of work stress can include headaches, loss of morale, lack of concentration, upset stomach, and short temper. In his recent book Office Spa: Stress Relief for the Working Week, relaxation expert Darrin Zeer suggests some everyday items you can keep at your desk to alleviate the pressures during your time at the office.

Water Bottle
Water is essential and comes only second to oxygen for survival. Furthermore, experts recommend drinking eight glasses of water a day for optimal health. Keep a water bottle at your desk for a quick refresher. Fatigue and sluggishness are signs of dehydration. Water also makes you fuller and keeps you from eating when you're not hungry. Many people turn to mindless snacking when they are working, the ever-present water bottle will deter this and the calories spent.

Portable Snacks
You shouldn't starve yourself just because you are at a desk all day, either. If your energy is zapped, you might need to eat something. A headache may indicate the need to eat something, too. Keep imperishable food at your desk for emergencies. Microwaveable popcorn, cereal bars and dried fruit are good options. If you're going low carb, try an Atkins bar or trail mix with raisins, nuts and seeds. And, pudding, graham crackers, or fruit juice are sweet, yet nutritious choices that satisfy your sweet tooth.

Tea
Next to water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. In addition to its long-term benefits, teas can also provide immediate relief to work woes. Peppermint tea is fruity, refreshing, and aromatic. It increases energy, stimulates brain activity, and increases fact retention. Chamomile tea helps promote relaxation and is great for unwinding — reducing tension and stress and calming the nerves. Ginseng tea is an energy booster and mental stimulator. It improves blood sugar levels, improves thinking, and accelerates reaction time.

Tennis Shoes
Take a walk. Breathing the fresh air and feeling your body move is a natural stress relief. And, walking benefits brain power, stimulates circulation, improves mood, and helps ward off depression. You don't have to work up a sweat to feel the results. Even 10 minutes can help. One sales rep puts on her shoes everyday to trek over a mile round trip to get her lunch at a nearby store. "Getting away from my computer and walking helps clear my brain and stretch my legs. It's a great way to jump start my energy before the afternoon blahs kick in," she says.

Golf Ball or Empty Bottle
Keep a golf ball or empty bottle nearby for quick massages to relieve arch strain or foot cramps. This can be extremely soothing whether you work on your feet or at a desk. Foot massages are known to relieve tension, mental and physical stress, fatigue and headaches.

CDs and Headphones
Unwind by listening to your favorite tunes. Most computers today have earphone jacks so you can listen to music without disturbing your co-workers in neighboring cubes. Keep a variety of your favorite CDs at your desk for different moods or situations — if you need to concentrate on a project, generate some comic relief, or escape briefly. You can also see if your favorite radio station broadcasts over the Internet, too.

Of course if burnout continues, headaches become more frequent, and you still yearn for an escape, it might be a sign of a deeper problem. It may be time to consider changing jobs or careers or even seeking the help of a professional.

Office Outlook Express Tips

To enlarge the text size of all your received messages, go to the Tools menu at the top of Outlook Express and choose Options. From there, select the Read tab and then click on the Fonts button at the bottom of the dialog window. You'll then see a listing of font sizing options that you can customize.