SCREEN FATIGUE
The past year has seen many aspects of our lives change due to the pandemic’s demands. One of the forced changes is the way we now communicate. Work, education and entertainment are almost entirely virtual these days, and as a result, a new health problem is emerging - screen fatigue.
Our sudden mass adoption of technology is disrupting the normal, primitive and finely tuned ways of communicating that have been developed to help humans survive. No longer are children learning in classrooms; no longer are meetings held in boardrooms; no longer are we catching up with friends around a table at a café. Many of us are communicating, learning and working via our screens.
Screen fatigue, also called computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is incredibly common. It’s a group of disorders that develop from the overuse of a computer or phone screen.
Eye strain, disturbed sleep, feeling emotionally and mentally drained are just some of the common effects of our new ‘online’ existence. Headaches, itchy eyes, back and neck strain are some other common symptoms.
It’s safe to say that hours and hours spent on our screens can have multiple effects on both the physical and mental health of an individual. Even when children finish learning online at home, they may unwind by watching television or playing a game on an iPad. We must be aware that stepping away from our screens to achieve optimal wellness has never been more important.
The following are some practical tips to help combat screen fatigue:
ONE AT A TIME!
Eliminate non-essential screens. Perhaps simplistic, but it’s necessary! Put your phone away while you’re on your computer, and turn your computer screen off when on your phone. Your eyes can’t afford to try and focus on too many screens at one time; this will help relieve eye strain.
MIX IT UP
Try phone calls instead of online meetings to mix things up! If this isn’t possible, then turn off your self-view on video calls. It’s another distraction for your eyes and your brain, which are both working hard to process what’s going on. It’s a simple action that can give your brain a much-needed break.
FOCUS
Do you have a meeting most days with lots of people on a video call? It’s a lot to take in right? This can certainly make your eyes and brain struggle to keep up! Try focusing on the camera and not all the faces on the screen. This can save your eyes and brain from feeling overloaded, and can relieve the expenditure of excess energy, which is certainly a contributor to screen fatigue.
GO OLD SCHOOL
Brainstorming ideas for an article or creating a road map for a big project? Write down your thoughts on paper instead of on a laptop or phone! Sketch the initial draft on a white board or butcher’s paper. You could have fun with this too!
TIME OUT
The biggest tip and perhaps the hardest for many is taking tech-free breaks! If you’re having a lunch break, put your phone away, go for a walk without it and look out into the distance. This will not only give your eyes a much-needed break, but you may also feel a little more present and calm as you take in your surroundings.
Do activities in the evening that don’t involve a screen to help you unwind. A puzzle with your children or some drawings and creative writing in a book perhaps. This can be very therapeutic too! There are many activities you can do at home that do not require a screen.
KIDS
Get the kids outside. Go for a walk, bike ride or to the local park.
Get creative! Try cooking, art or maybe a scavenger hunt.
Pull out the board games.
Get the kids to put on a play for the grown ups.
Have a dance off!
Lead by example by staying off your phone during family time.
Make the dinner table a device-free zone.
Avoid devices during bedtime.
Set time and access limits on your children's devices.
AND ADULTS REMEMBER...
It's okay not to be contactable 24/7.
Set your own device and accessibility limits.
By: Converge International