What is a good time limit to place on computer use?
 

I am recovering from a mild concussion and find myself frequently tempted to check email, text messages, and various websites (news, sports, PCS-related sites). I think this is partly because I am by myself a lot during the day.

Does anyone else have this problem? Is it best to allow yourself one or two brief sessions a day? I feel as though some minimal use isn't a problem, but spending hours in front of a computer probably isn't a good thing...

I think the basic premise is to do only things that don't make you feel symptoms. When you feel symptoms you are doing too much.

This was a hard one for me to figure out at first because I felt symptoms all the time and even at rest. Initially you have to rest until you no longer feel symptoms "at rest."

After that point, you can start to decide what brings on symptoms and what doesn't.

Again, this was tough for me to navigate. I was so out of my mind, that I didn't get to that point of really resting till I'd already run myself ragged for over a month. : )

greenfrog,

If you are using your computer and find that you have been staring at the screen or rereading a line over again or your eyes start to get glassy, that is your limit. Next time, change tasks after a shorter time period or at the first sign of spacing out. With a little self awareness, you will start to notice the overdoing it before it causes symptoms that set you back.

It is different for everybody so you have to find your own limits.

I agree with the advice that others have posted. Perhaps start with 15 minutes at time and see how you do. If during that time, you feel any symptoms, stop immediately before it gets worse.

Be sure to give yourself a rest break after. Be sure to walk away at the first sign of any symptoms.

Don't push yourself for "just a few more minutes". If you ignore the mild symptoms when they start and don't stop immediately... you could end up miserable for the whole day or longer.

It will be trial and error to see if the computer is an issue for you and what your time limit is. Good idea to ease back into it and take rest break whether you think you need them or not. Symptoms and triggers can be different for everyone.

Hope you feel better soon,