Mouse potato
Updated: 11/16/2019 by Computer Hope
![Mouse potato](/jargon/m/mouse-potato.png)
Like a couch potato, a mouse potato is a person who sits at their computer for extended lengths of time (several hours). Because of the inactivity and the long time sitting, being a mouse potato can lead to health problems and obesity.
How to protect yourself if you're a mouse potato
If you're a mouse potato or work on the computer for extended periods, you can still do a lot to help protect yourself.
- At the very least, get up from the computer every hour to stretch and move around.
Tip
You can drink water while at your desk and stretch each time you have to get up and go to the bathroom.
- While sitting at your desk, always keep your posture in mind. See our posture page for further tips and suggestions on how to sit properly at your desk.
- Consider working at a standing desk or while on a treadmill for part of the day.