Dealing with Screen Fatigue: Strategies and Tips for Relief
I work fully remotely and whether it’s the Autumnal weather or just how (thankfully) busy I am, I feel like I am really seeing the signs of screen fatigue. This got me thinking,
Is anyone else really feeling screen fatigue at the moment?
I’m flat out looking at my screen – Zoom interviews and meetings, emails, managing my CRM, doing research and constant social media work. As if that wasn’t enough screen time there’s my phone with texts, WhatsApp messages and, of course, a bit of social media surfing and shopping online.
I love that I can connect with people all the time, but I need more balance and I have to weigh up productivity vs. burnout.
I recently read an article on Forbes that talks about a trend where employers have notice employee retention has shown links to their people feeling exhausted, burned out and overworked. I wondered if the drive for higher productivity (which our screens provide), paired with a growing resilience to digital engagement, is causing burnout?
It is also widely reported that much screen time is taking its toll on our bodies; straining our eyes, hurting our necks and backs, sleeping badly, feeling anxious and a decline in mental well being. I’ve been telling my kids this for years!
This is where the dilemma comes about, we can do so much more work when we are in front of our screen, it’s so efficient. As a result of all of this, I have been trialing small changes to my digital habits to reduce my phone and screen time for the better.
Here are my 5 Tips to Reduce Screen Fatigue
1. Analyse the data
An obvious one I know but analysing your usage is helpful. Figure out how long, when and where you are spending time online, then review where you can make changes. For me, I’ve dusted off the radio, tuned in to more podcasts and reduced my online shopping (I can scroll for hours in the John Lewis App!).
2. Choose to be more office based
If you can work more from the office with your colleagues, you can choose in-person meetings, conversations and catch-ups instead of Slack, Teams or video meetings. This will reduce your screen time and present you with a host of other benefits.
3. Step away from the screen and desk if you are fully remote working
This works more for internal and less formal conversations. See if you can book a ‘walking meeting’ for more casual internal meetings and join via your phone rather than sitting and facing the screen. Perhaps encourage colleagues and remind yourself to stack up a list of non urgent questions, then you can run through them over a coffee from your sofa during a point in the day. Instead of using Teams/messaging? Stepping away from your screen and desk is always beneficial for your body and mind.
4. Take real breaks to reduce screen fatigue
Coffee, water, lunch, exercise or meeting a friend. I think we all did more of this in 2021/22! I have definitely let things slip this year as work has been so busy. Don’t forget to take the time to refresh, re-hydrate and socialise.
5. Screen free social time
When you have finished work, make a conscious effort to have less screen time. Cook from a book, switch on the radio, exercise with others, write more and, obviously, as we head in to the festive season, make an effort to connect with friends and family! This can be applied to Christmas shopping too – head out to the shops rather than buying everything online.
Conclusion
Using these strategies I have been able to reduce my feeling of screen fatigue whilst remaining productive. While it would be nice to be able to do away with screens for a bit, they have become an essential part of work and our everyday lives. What effective tips, strategies or methods do you have to help balance your screen time? Feel free to share any tips with me with the contact details below.
Additionally, if you would like any advice or support with your work-life balance, or finding a new job in events, please get in contact:
Email: helen@jbrecruitment.co.uk
Telephone: 0203 488 2620
About Jackson Barnes Recruitment
Jackson Barnes Recruitment delivers international recruitment solutions within the events, media, and publishing sectors. Jackson Barnes recruits Graduate to MD level in the following positions:
• Researcher
• Conference producer
• Event Marketing
• Sales – delegate, sponsorship & Business Development
• Event Manager
• Editor
We recruit for organisations in the UK and overseas with success in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore and Australia
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