We all agree with the quote below:

“I find social media to be a soul-sucking void of meaningless affirmation.”

But would you really dare to share your Screen Time Report?

What is digital fatigue?

We are lucky enough to live in an age where we can rely on many digital tools and apps to live easier and more innovative lives. That is not to say that it comes without challenges.

The simultaneous and continuous use of laptops, computers, smartphones, e-readers, or tablets has gotten all of us a little bit tired. Although studies show that digital fatigue can cause loss of energy, mental disorganization, burnout, and loneliness, it is not categorized as a medical condition.

How much of the fatigue is COVID-19 related?

The transformation to digital work came unexpectedly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the digital fatigue that followed is inevitably intertwined with the pandemic fatigue itself.

Water cooler breaks and impromptu conversations with coworkers are no longer a part of the lengthy workday. These breaks from work were not really only for entertainment; they offered us the chance to get some exercise, take a break from our screens, and engage in reviving human interaction.
Digital fatigue doesn’t mean that we will stop working remotely, just like physical fatigue never stopped us from going to the office. It just means that we will get better at managing it as we settle into the digital lifestyle.

If you’re experiencing digital fatigue, think about which of the common factors are causing it:
Poor Lighting: Poor lighting is a result of our computers’ famed “blue light,” a misleading light. Our sleep cycles are impacted by it. According to Harvard Health, blue wavelengths increase attention. Useful during the day, but if we expose ourselves at night, it can affect our ability to sleep.

Increased work-related stress: Elevated work-related pressure might contribute to digital fatigue. When the organization mistakes remote work for the impossibility of having a communication strategy, much can be lost in translation. Employees may feel tense because they lack conflict resolution skills when in a remote environment.

Developing FOMO: A fascinating study examined the impact of our excessive usage of technology during COVID-19 on stress. It was published in the Journal of World Social Psychiatry. It was discovered that most of us had social media and the news running in the background constantly when working from home because there was no supervision or set of regulations as there would be in an office. And because we are continually receiving bits of information through “background listening,” we develop a fear of missing out (FOMO) on things. Consequently, we feel compelled to be constantly open to all of this incoming information.

There are no stopping cues: In a Ted talk, psychologist Adam Alter argues that the absence of halting cues is to blame for the rise in our internet usage. These are cues that serve as a subtle reminder to move on to something else. For instance, when you finish reading a chapter in a book, you are prompted to decide whether you want to continue. These cues provide us with a break and stop us from overworking ourselves.

Sitting for most of the day: The human body was not created to sit for the duration of the day, yet in today’s reality, many people expect their bodies to do just that. While it can be tempting to lie down as soon as work is over, passive lifestyles further emphasize digital fatigue.

Managing Digital Fatigue

As we saw, many of the factors leading to digital fatigue aren’t caused by remote work itself. Sometimes they’re caused by physical inactivity, and other times they’re caused by a lack of a remote communication strategy.
Fatigue is part of our lives, whether digital or physical. To liberate ourselves and save our energy for creativity and productivity, we can do something small each day to manage it. We’ve collected psychologist-proof tips on managing digital fatigue, at your service!

– Take regular breaks: Although stopping cues are typically absent from digital tools, adding a subtle reminder to take regular breaks is a fantastic approach to make up for it. Setting an alarm or following a regular schedule of breaks are two examples of how to do this. You might wish to include some stretching or a brief period of mindfulness, both of which reduce tension.

– Try Pomodoro techniques: Pomodoro clocks are a well-liked tool for boosting productivity and are now frequently used as an efficient work management tool. The idea is straightforward. Before taking a break, give the task at hand some focused time. Set a timer, for instance, for 25 uninterrupted minutes of study time. Take a three to five-minute pause once your timer sounds. Continue the cycle. This technique is particularly effective when remaining on target is challenging since it encourages good study habits by offering a reward in the near future. You can use it to deconstruct difficult issues into manageable chunks as well.

– Schedule time for offline activities: After a hard day of working in front of a screen, think of another approach to unwind that is pleasing to the eye and won’t just make you more tired of technology before you settle into a new Netflix series. Additionally, it would be excellent to do something that increases mobility, such as exercise, to improve posture and reduce the stiffness, aches, and pains that come with spending all day in front of a screen.

– Be mindful: Sometimes we can be on the phone for hours out of habit or to divert our attention. Being conscious enables you to recognize these triggers and then consider whether there are any better options available. Naturally, developing a conscious awareness takes time. On the other hand, it has been discovered that even a regular mindfulness practice of only 10 minutes can reduce anxiety and enhance focus. If meditation isn’t your cup of tea, try going for a short walk in nature – it works wonders!

– Pick your favs: Choose one communication technique, such as email, Teams, Slack, or phone conversations; by keeping the number of digital tools you use each day to a minimum, your brain will have more mental room to concentrate on the current work. Additionally, it lessens the worry that you might miss a crucial email or an essential task if you focus too much.

– Set limits: The mere fact that we utilize digital technology on a daily basis does not make it mandatory. Setting limits is essential when trying to balance work and other aspects of your life. It allows you to prioritize your values, reducing the pressure of making choices. Whether it means keeping your phone away when you’re working, or putting your laptop in a drawer once working hours are done, choose your own way of limiting how accessible distraction is.

What role does MWiZR play in reducing digital fatigue?

MasterWizr is built on the notion of meaningful interaction. Unlike many platforms, it is not designed to keep you there for as long as possible, it is designed to serve your needs – in the most pleasant way possible!

For instance, MasterWizr offers a variety of solutions in one, lessening annoyance since you don’t have to switch between them. Here, you can make use of the environment to work more quickly and comfortably. Additionally, MW permits virtual gatherings that can promote effective interpersonal communication and create a stress-free working atmosphere. More opportunities arise from online gatherings. Use online meetings to encourage, support, and check in with your coworkers. Meeting virtually is a fantastic way to have discussions and apply new ideas to the workplace.

Simply put, MasterWizr has focused on creating solutions in a way that makes virtual work simple, enjoyable, and less stressful.

If you’re interested in a demo, please visit masterwizr.com!