How to Reduce Screen Time When Working From Home
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveWhether it be increased Microsoft Teams’ meeting, a spike in
family Zoom quizzes, or simply just more time spent glued to our mobile phone
screens out of boredom, there is no denying that the collective screen time of
the nation has grown drastically over the course of the past year.
From the moment we wake up to the second we go to bed we are
looking at a screen. Although it’s something we are reluctant to admit, screens
for the majority of us are the only constant in our everyday lives – in a year
that the only real other constant has been time spent indoors!
Prior to the pandemic and the transportation of the workspace
into our front living rooms, findings showed that office workers spent almost 1,700
hours a year staring at a computer screen. Now, realistically, who knows!
Where the Trade Buys, leaflet
printing specialists, have looked at the health implications involved in
spending too much time in front of the screen, and why you should set down the
iPad and lift the print option instead.
The impacts on our health
Although we are all aware that too much screen time is
unhealthy, you may not know that it can lead to such dramatic and serious
illness. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is also known as digital eye strain and
is caused by prolonged periods of looking at electronic devices such as
computers, tablets, and phones. The syndrome can result in several symptoms
including:
·
Eyestrain
·
Headaches
·
Blurred vision
·
Neck and shoulder pain
But, why does this occur?
Our eyes are forced to work harder when spending extended
amounts of times staring at a screen. Unlike reading from a book or a
newspaper, in which the words are more distinguished and sharply defined, the
contrast on a screen is significantly reduced and the likes of glare bouncing
back from the screen poses more of a threat to an uninterrupted view.
CVS is most likely to affect those who already need the
likes of glasses or contact lenses to improve their vision. Studies have found
that even those who don’t usually require a general eye prescription may
benefit from glasses specifically designed for use in front of the screen to
prevent damage.
During the course of 2020, we witnessed a number of spikes
in people searching Google for “how do I know if you need glasses”, suggesting
that the growth in time spent in front of our electronics was really beginning
to take its toll.
You can treat CVS through the use of solutions however, by
making simple changes to the way you view your screen can help reduce the
damage caused to your eyes. Altering your display settings, regularly
exercising your eyes, and taking frequent breaks from staring at the screen can
all prevent the strain caused. Most employers should also have guidelines
instructing you on how to set up your workstation appropriately.
Small changes, big impact
Despite technological advancements being a blessing in many
ways, sometimes it’s best to switch out our beloved devices for a book.
Scientific research carried out at the Technion–Israel
Institute of Technology discovered that students using non-digital formats to
complete an multiple-choice exam scored 10 per cent higher on average than
those completing it on digital devices. This owes to two main reasons. Firstly,
you get less distracted, mostly due to the fact the internet isn’t right at
your fingers and secondly, having the material in your hands help you visualize
just how much you’ve read.
For those who have a job that involves looking at a computer
screen for the aforementioned 1,700 hours, giving your eyes a rest from screens
in the evening is essential. Findings suggest that using a blue light before
sleep can disrupt with your melatonin and circadian cycles, making the process
of getting to sleep a whole lot harder. On the other hand, reading some print
is deemed an age-old remedy for those struggling with getting some shut eye.
No one is suggesting that we get rid of our digital devices
entirely. However, it is worth reassessing the time spent looking at a screen
and whether it essential – looking at the same posts repeatedly isn’t.
If you still haven’t settled on a New Year’s Resolution for
2021, why not make it reduced time spent looking at a screen and more time
indulging in print materials!
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Created on Jan 25th 2021 06:05. Viewed 354 times.