Even in a situation where you cannot necessarily eliminate the source of your stress, you can control the way you respond to it. For example, there are computer programs available that allow you to track how you use your computer, from how long you hold the mouse to how quickly you type. When you realize that you are pressing on the keys harder or more frequently than you normally do, you can change your behavior. In my experience, people tend to take fewer breaks, use non-ergonomic hand movements like pronation to increase their output, and context switch too frequently between programs when under stress. When I am under stress, I remind myself of other stressful situations that I have successfully navigated through and tell myself that my current situation is not much different. Fortunately, my current line of work is not a matter of life or death, and I can reassure myself that if I work a bit more slowly, the consequences will not be dire. In general, understanding how stress can tempt you to deviate from the principles of computer athleticism but not failing prey to that temptation can help you avoid injury.

Stress can tempt you to deviate from the principles of computer athleticism. The best way to avoid injury, however, is to stay true to those principles.

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