Check out These Tips for How to Recover from Screen Fatigue

While many of us became familiar with the concept of screen fatigue during the pandemic, this phenomenon existed long before the start of COVID.

We may be spending less time on our computers as everyday life resumes, but this problem will continue to persist even after the pandemic ends. Many of us spend several hours behind our screens due to a combination of school, work, entertainment and social interactions.

Screen fatigue is characterized by feeling exhausted after spending hours on your computer. The exhaustion may feel unwarranted as staring at your screen isn't a physically demanding activity, but it actually makes sense. Unfortunately, the physical fatigue from the harsh computer light combined with psychological exhaustion creates a dangerous combination that results in burnout.

But don't worry! There are ways you can ease the fatigue and recover from it. We have identified the four main problems associated with screen fatigue and found solutions. Check out these four top-notch tips for bouncing back from screen tiredness.

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1. For Eyestrain

According to All About Vision, 59% of people have reported suffering from eye strain. You may experience dry or red eyes, headaches, blurred vision, or eye soreness at the end of the day. This discomfort is due to the harsh blue light emitted from our computers and phones, which causes eye strain. To reduce the amount of eyestrain, make sure you are in a well-lit room with low-glare. Many find that wearing blue-light glasses also helps prevent the symptoms of eye strain. To properly recover from eye fatigue, take breaks during the day to rest your eyes and use lubricating eye drops to relieve the dryness.

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2. For Back and Neck Pain

We experience physical strain by sitting for long periods, and we often sit with incorrect posture. A great way to minimize muscle pain is by introducing posture checks during the day. A posture check means that you stop what you're doing and monitor if you're slouching, pushing your head forward, holding tension in your neck or shoulders, or clenching your jaw. You will notice less pain at the end of the day if you frequently check yourself for these subconscious habits. To recover from back and neck pain, trying taking walks or stretching breaks throughout the day. The movement will help lengthen the muscles and get the blood moving throughout your body.

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3. For Anxiety

Spending hours behind a screen can often trigger anxiety. One reason you feel more anxious is due to the constant stimulation. For example, we often bounce from school work to read about the news to respond to a message to scroll through social media and then back to schoolwork. We are overwhelmed with information. Another reason you may experience anxiety is due to the fact you never fully disengage. When you get off your laptop, you usually open your phone, so you're constantly accessible to everyone in your life. As a result, you never get a moment to yourself. A great way to remedy this is by scheduling designated time away from the screen. For example, put your phone in airplane mode, close your laptop and stay off technology for 30 minutes to an hour. You'll feel so much better after time alone. It's also essential to stay off technology for at least an hour before bed to help regulate your sleep cycles.

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4. For Mental Exhaustion

There's no single agreed-upon answer as to why we feel drained after working on our computer all day. However, Vox explains that it could be due to the mental exertion of working. Your brain and body are working hard, so you use energy just as you do with physical activity. We are still trying to understand technology's psychological effects, but we know your exhaustion is valid, and self-care becomes more critical than ever. Besides basic self-care like making sure you're staying hydrated and sleeping well, it's helpful to find hobbies that don't include screens like reading or journaling. It's vital to create space in your life to disengage from technology fully. As always, show yourself kindness. Your exhaustion is genuine and everyone is sharing the same experience. Technology will be a part of our lives, so it's helpful to find ways to protect your health and recover.

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Need a little more self-care time to help you recover from screen fatigue? Check out THESE nine self-care practices that you can do daily.