How to Deal With Screen Fatigue When Earning An Online Degree

While there are plenty of reasons to choose an online degree over traditional programs, there are also a few challenges. Some of these are obvious, but others, like screen fatigue, are easy to overlook. However, it is vital to deal with screen fatigue in a practical manner, as it can influence your health and productivity in the long run. 

What Is Screen Fatigue?

Screen fatigue is a blanket term for several symptoms that can manifest when looking at digital screens for prolonged periods. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, eye strain, discomfort, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. In addition to these physical symptoms, screen fatigue can also impair cognitive functions, leading to issues such as an inability to maintain concentration, memory, and comprehension.

How To Deal With Screen Fatigue?

Screen fatigue is avoidable, but students must be proactive about caring for their health before experiencing the symptoms. 

Make the Best Use of Your Study Space

Your study space should be set up to be physically comfortable and free of distractions, and care must also be taken to safeguard your eyes. Lighting is very important, and while natural light is preferable, you can also use soft, diffused lighting. If glare is an issue, use anti-glare screen protectors to improve your comfort. 

Use The Correct Display Settings

Most students study online using a computer or laptop, so it is vital that your display setting is optimal. If your screen is brighter than your surroundings, it can cause eye strain, so adjust the brightness and contrast to avoid this situation. Since studying online can involve a lot of reading, it is essential that the text size and font style are optimal and do not cause strain. Finally, most modern screens have a blue light filter that can be enabled to reduce blue light emission, which is also linked to eye strain.

Don’t Skip Out On Breaks

It may be tempting to study for prolonged periods, but this can do more harm than good. Instead, take regular breaks to help you focus better and improve circulation by getting up and moving around. Performing stretching or breathing exercises during these breaks can also be beneficial. Setting a timer to remind yourself is helpful to avoid getting too caught up in your studies and forgetting to take a break.  

Exercise Your Eyes

Stretching and exercising are great for relieving tension while studying, but you can also exercise your eyes to avoid strain. In addition to blinking more often to keep your eyes from drying out, you can also roll your eyes to stretch the muscles and relieve tension. Also, remember to occasionally shift your focus to something further away than your screen.

Limit Additional Screen Exposure

After long study sessions, spending more time on screens to relax can be tempting, but this will increase the strain on your eyes. Browsing social media on the phone or watching online videos are common forms of entertainment, but set reasonable boundaries for yourself and designate specific times when you will be screen-free to reduce the strain. Finding non-digital hobbies, such as cooking, exercising, or gardening, can also help a lot in this regard.

Don’t Neglect Your Sleep

Getting quality sleep is a great way to reduce the strain on your eyes, so make sure to make this a priority. You can improve your sleep quality by having a consistent sleep routine and not using digital devices directly before going to bed. You’ll also want to make sure that your sleep environment is dark and quiet.

Don’t Skimp On Hydration

It might not be immediately apparent, but your diet can influence your overall eye health. For example, eye dryness can be made worse if you are dehydrated, so be sure to remain hydrated while studying. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins such as A, C, and E can also be beneficial. 

Practice Good Time Management

Earning an online degree requires careful time management to avoid becoming overwhelmed and spending more time staring at your screen. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and that essential tasks are prioritized so you don’t have to cram in too many things at the last minute. 

Try Alternatives To Screen-Based Learning

Although the majority of materials used for online learning require you to look at a screen of some sort, there are some alternatives that can be useful when you want to give your eyes a rest. For example, you can listen to the audio version of lectures instead of watching the videos. 

Maintain A Comfortable Environment

Certain factors in your immediate surroundings, such as a fan blowing air in your face or smoking, can also dry your eyes and exacerbate screen fatigue. You can address these by moving to a different environment, using a humidifier, or making adjustments to your thermostat. Try to avoid environments where dry air constantly moves across your eyes. 

Conclusion

Dealing with screen fatigue is good for your eyes and overall well-being and will also benefit your studies. Of course, many of these tips are also helpful if you pursue a career that involves looking at an electronic screen daily, especially when working as a freelancer or remotely. If you do find symptoms of screen fatigue persisting, it is advisable to visit an optometrist and have a comprehensive eye exam to address any issues.