Our lives are becoming increasingly digital, more so after the Covid-19 pandemic. Whether you are a student taking online classes or a remote worker brainstorming with colleagues via video conferencing, technology has become a ubiquitous part of your life. A survey conducted in 2020 found that 34 percent of people spent more than four hours per week on group video calls in India.
Even when we are not working or studying, we find ourselves glued to our phones, scrolling our feeds, or binge-watching one series after another. So much so that sometimes you may even find it difficult to unplug. As a result, we feel physically and mentally exhausted. Over time, this overload of information can put us at the risk of digital fatigue, which can cause our energy to deplete, and may lead to burnout.
It is, therefore, pertinent for us to take measures to combat the effects of digital fatigue. Read on to know more about the steps you can follow to avoid it and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Increase your movement
To avoid digital fatigue, we must take breaks from staring at our screens, especially while working. It’s crucial to give your eyes some rest by taking timely breaks. When you take a break, don’t use it to check your social media feeds. Instead, keep your devices away, get up from your chair and engage in physical movement. Simple activities like taking a walk, stretching, rolling your shoulders, can help improve your blood circulation. Try to add an exercise routine to your daily schedule, which will have a positive impact on how you work and your health.
Be mindful of the screen time
According to a report, “on average, adults in India spend 4.4 hours a day in front of screens, outside of work or educational time.” Excess screen time will, in the long run, prove to be detrimental to your physical and mental health. That’s why you should make a conscious effort to reduce the time that you spend in front of the screen daily. A simple way to go about this is to plan a screen-free time each day. For example, you can leave your phone at home when going for morning walks. Resist the urge to browse through your feeds while eating. After finishing work, try to unplug and set a time limit for the usage of your gadgets.
Digital fatigue refers to the exhaustion and burnout caused by excessive screen time and reliance on digital devices.
You can combat digital fatigue by taking breaks from screens, increasing movement and exercise, being mindful of your screen time, turning off the camera during virtual meetings, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Reducing screen time is important to prevent physical and mental health issues associated with excessive device usage, such as eye strain, sleep disturbances, and decreased productivity.
Sticking to a schedule helps establish and reduces the likelihood of spending excessive time on screens and it promotes a healthy work-life balance.
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