Pre-quarantine, you likely thought that you spent almost all of your workday at the computer. But little did you know that you could spend so much more. Between commutes, formal meetings, drive-by chats, watercooler talks, coffee breaks, and lunches, you had many opportunities throughout your day where your eyes would have a break from your screen and detach from the digital realm.
Now with those natural respites eliminated, there’s little to no break from the connection to technology. In particular, video calls add an extra layer of fatigue. Having to focus on multiple faces simultaneously while also being conscious that everyone can see you creates an added layer of mental and emotional exhaustion that wouldn’t be experienced as acutely in an in-person setting. The extra time in front of the computer can also cause eye strain and muscle fatigue because you need to hold your body rigid for hours to stay inside a camera’s range.
To help time management and regain energy, here are some effective strategies to reduce or eliminate technology in your day.
Don’t default to Zoom
Zoom and other video chat apps are wonderful tools when you are trying to get as close as possible to replicating in-person interactions. But the level of intensity video calling offers isn’t necessary for many communications. If a phone call would work fine for a conversation, use that. If you can efficiently communicate what you need via email or through updating a shared document or task management system, do that. Just because you can use video, doesn’t mean you should.
Limit your meeting time
In normal circumstances, setting aside blocks of time to get work done is a good idea. But if you find virtual meetings draining, this practice is even more essential for you right now. Block out time on your schedule where you’re not available for meetings so that you can temper how much virtual communication you have each day. That could look like setting aside most of a morning or afternoon as a meeting-free time or blocking out a few one-hour chunks of time throughout the day to detach and focus on other work.
Choose physical over digital
To counteract the increased time in front of a screen both on and off the clock, look for ways that you can take the low-tech route. Brainstorming for an article? Write out your thoughts on paper. Creating a road map for a big project? Sketch the initial draft on a white board. Reading a book? Pick up a print copy. Exercising? Go outside on a run. Anytime you can reasonably choose a physical option over a digital one, take it. Stepping away from the computer not only offers a digital break, but may also help creativity flow.
Move as much as possible
To counteract the fatigue caused by sitting rigidly in front of your computer, move around as much as you can. In between meetings, take a walk to the kitchen to refill your water or coffee. When you need a quick break, do a few simple movements like rolling your shoulders to get the blood flowing. If you have a standing desk, move it up and down so you’re able to both sit and stand throughout the day. If you don’t have a standing desk, put your computer on a high counter or bureau to get an opportunity to stretch your legs. And if you’re on a normal phone call and don’t need to be taking notes or looking at documents while you talk, consider standing up or even walking back and forth during the conversation.
Take tech-free breaks
Although it may feel more “efficient” to eat lunch at your computer, your brain will thank you for taking a break from the screen. Eat lunch while chatting with your family members in the kitchen, looking out a window, or reading a physical book. Stepping away from technology not only gives your brain a break but also gives you the added bonus of perspective. Even a short 15 to 20 minute tech-free lunch can bring a clearer sense of the big picture regarding what’s occurring in both life and work.
Another beneficial practice is post-work outdoor physical activity. This includes taking a walk, gardening, playing tennis, or anything else that gets you active. This split from the digital world can help refresh your brain and helps create separation from the end of your work day to the beginning of your personal time.
When it’s possible to go back to more in-person communications, it will be a wonderful relief. But in the immediate term, some of the added digital load is unavoidable. These strategies can help you counter that load and reduce digital fatigue.
Elizabeth Grace Saunders, Harvard Business Review
15 May 2020