Eyestrain? Are you Working from the Backyard?

One of the great things about working from home is that on beautiful days you can move the laptop and cup of coffee outside and enjoy nature without sacrificing the schedule. Sounds perfect, but it can cause some major problems.


I've learned a few tricks this summer about preventing computer eyestrain and still enjoy working outside.Sunglasses don't often offer enough protection from the glare of the sun. Even when sitting in the diffused light of a shade tree, you'll find yourself squinting as the dappled sunlight plays across your work.


A simple hat or cap with a long visor will do a great deal to help protect your eyes from strain, as well as help keep the hair out of your face when the breeze kicks up. But, you may still find yourself squinting.


The unfortunate thing about being engrossed in your writing is that you don't notice little things like how uncomfortable you are. So, maybe you should just let your laptop tell you.


When the laptop battery runs low, it's time to bring your work inside, out of the bright light. On those days when you just can't bear to leave the beautiful fresh air and sit couped up in the home office, don't fight it. Grab a notebook and your favorite manual writing instrument, a stack of correspondence, work that needs editing, or the trade journals you never got around to reading and continue to work outside until the laptop is fully recharged and ready to join you.


Chances are, this change of routine will often recharge you, too.


Nothing motivates a freelancer as much as seeing the stack of paperwork in the in basket go down.




All written content ©2010 Patrice Campbell unless otherwise noted.