To think work shouldn't make you feel like this?

[RochelleGoyle]

AIBU to think that it's not normal to have to concentrate so hard at work that you are left with headaches, a stiff neck and tension in your jaw? My job fairly regularly leaves me feeling like this, I'd say at least once a fortnight. It involves reading and analysing large amounts of complex information, then writing reports to deadlines. I also become ultra sensitive to excess noise.

Does anyone else experience this?

You need to take breaks

Well, yes. Sounds normal to me, even on a daily basis. My job sounds a bit like yours. It can be difficult to take breaks because that means you won’t hit the tight deadlines or you won’t hit the targets demanded. Those that seem to manage best often care a bit less. Are you a perfectionist at heart?

Yes you need to take breaks, get up an walk around at least every hour. Have you had a workstation assessment, chair & desk height, glare etc. checked. I always print documents to review them. I do care about the environment but not as much as I care about my health.

Take breaks. You're supposed to take a break from sitting in front of a screen every hour or so.

I often print things out and work on paper. It's easier on my eyes. I wear noise cancelling headphones, can't hear myself think with too much background noise

Daisy, yes I am a perfectionist. I wish I could find a way to care less!
To the others who've responded, I suppose I am quite bad at taking breaks too.
With regard to the work station assessment, that's on my to do list for next week.

Also worth getting an eye test to make sure you’re not needing glasses / a new prescription.

Yes, I print things to review/edit too. Just can't do it onscreen.

Am due an eye test this year, good point ColdTatty

is It mechanical - you are staring at the screen and not moving? Or stress related tension? I get the former if working on a particular task repetitively - working in Excel particularly.

And the stress aspect is playing up a lot with studying for an exam, even when not studying.

Yes, lots of time staring at the screen. Also frequent and distracting interruptions!

I've just booked an eye test and might look into noise cancelling headphones.

You need to get up and move around. Even if you just pick up your printing to proof read, go and do it somewhere else rather than at your desk. Do some stretches in your chair. Set reminder for a break every hour - even if you just get up and get a glass of water, go the the toilet, move across the office. If you need to confer with a colleague, get up and do it in person rather than emailing or calling.

Thanks Isleep