Happier Way Original –
Improving your overall wellness means prioritizing not only your physical health but also your mental health. As the world moves toward more hybrid and remote working and learning environments, one growing concern among many experts is the impact that digital fatigue will have employees and students. Digital fatigue is the exhaustion and burnout that comes with an overabundance of screen time, something that has been on the rise in recent years. To know if you need to think about combatting digital fatigue, look for signs such as dry or irritated eyes, difficulty focusing on work, sensitivity to light, or even loneliness or physical exhaustion.
When combatting digital fatigue in your life, keep these five helpful tips in mind.
1. Take a Break
Many people spend all day in front of a computer screen. If that is your situation and you are now combatting the digital fatigue that comes from it, remember to take regular breaks. Step away from your screen at least for a few minutes every hour—more if you can afford it. Take the opportunity to practice mindfulness, something that has been proven to improve emotional wellbeing.
2. Eat Healthier
You may not think a poor diet is contributing to your digital fatigue, but the reality is that eating healthier is one of the important ways you can improve mental health. Ultimately, what you put in your body is going to have a major impact on how you feel overall.
3. Establish an Exercise Routine
If you are feeling the drag of digital fatigue, get up and move! That is the advice of neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki, who advocates for the great benefits that exercise has on mood.
4. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep fixes many health issues, not only digital fatigue. According to the CDC, people who regularly get fewer than seven hours of sleep are more prone to chronic health conditions. The lesson: prioritize your sleep!
5. Use Alternate Communication Technologies
In a constantly connected world forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing has become a routine communication channel. But it’s also contributing to more digital fatigue. Next time, try a traditional phone call or even an email so that you can cut down on the amount of time you spend with your eyes on the screen.