Are You Zoomed Out?
Many people today complain about having Zoom fatigue or burnout. Can your computer make you sick?
Researchers at Arizona State University found that people who use screens an average of 17.5 hours per day—reported the least healthful dietary patterns and the poorest health-related characteristics.
The World Health Organization describes zoom burnout, “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” Three symptoms can help you recognize it: “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.”
The more stressed you are, the higher the incidence of burnout and exhaustion, resulting in lower productivity. Zoom burnout impedes your mental and physical health and compromises success over time.
Screen apnea is another side effect of prolonged screen use in which the computer user temporarily holds their breath, or their breathing becomes very shallow while working (or playing) in front of screens. Screen apnea can cause stress-related illnesses and lost productivity.
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition in which you experience eye symptoms such as eye strain, redness or blurred vision from prolonged computer screen exposure.
So, what can you do to prevent having one of these “computer” illnesses?
Try wearing blue light glasses to reduce your eye strain and exposure to blue light from your devices. Reducing this light can improve your sleep, giving you a better night’s rest and better mental clarity.
Get outside. Spending some time in nature can help to refocus your mind. Be mindful of your surroundings and look for opportunities to relax, unwind and appreciate the beautiful outdoors.
Try the 20-20-20 rule
After being on the computer for 20 minutes, take a 20-minute break away from your screen and look at something 20 feet away. This gives your brain and eyes time to relax. Every 20 minutes get up and walk around for 20 seconds, get a drink of water, look at something outdoors and stretch for 20 seconds. After you do these things, you should be ready to go back for 20 more minutes of work, before you take another break.
Try mindfulness throughout your day. Listen to a guided imagery story for a few minutes. Try some shiatsu or self-massage to relax tight muscles, stretch and bend to help rejuvenate your body or practice some meditation to find your focus once again. For more information on Everyday Mindfulness, check out this publication.
Source: Bryan Robinson, Ph.D., Forbes Contributor, Nov 15, 2020.
