Online learning offers a convenient way to acquire new skills, yet it can also lead to screen fatigue from extended periods of screen time. Fortunately, there are strategies to combat screen fatigue and enhance concentration. Read on for some helpful tips to help combat screen exhaustion when studying online.
Create a Conducive Study Environment
Choose a well-lit area for studying, ideally at a desk or table. Position your computer screen at eye level, keeping it roughly an arm’s length away from your eyes. Adjust your laptop or PC’s brightness and contrast settings to suit your needs.
Additionally, avoid placing your screen too close to windows or sources of glare, as they can strain your eyes and make it difficult to focus on your work.
Try the 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful strategy for online studying. This method entails taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes and directing your gaze toward an object approximately 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and keeps you focused.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Set a timer for 20 minutes.
2. Begin your online study session.
3. When the timer goes off, pause your screen.
4. Find an object about 20 feet away.
5. Look at the object for 20 seconds.
6. Reset the timer and resume studying.
7. Repeat this process throughout your session.
Practice this exercise regularly so you can stay more focused and take care of your eyes while studying online.
Stay Hydrated
Maintaining hydration is essential for online students to combat eye fatigue and ensure proper eye function. Drinking water keeps eyes moist, prevents irritation, and flushes out toxins for better vision.
Hydration enhances cognitive functions for improved concentration and prevents fatigue and maintains energy. Furthermore, it supports your brain’s memory creation and storage.
To stay hydrated during study sessions, keep a water bottle handy. Having a bottle nearby makes it easy to remember to drink water while studying. Make sure to drink water at regular intervals. Create reminders or set alarms to help hydrate consistently during breaks or between subjects. Enhance your water with added flavor, such as fruits or herbs to make it more appealing and encourage consumption.
Take 15-Minute Tech Breaks
To keep your eyes in great shape, make it a habit to take regular breaks from screens. This lessens eye strain and promotes overall eye health. Follow these three simple tips to enjoy a 15-minute tech-free break:
Set a Timer—To ensure you don’t get carried away and spend more time away from your screen than intended, set a timer for 15 minutes before starting your break. Keep your electronic devices out of reach during this time to avoid distractions.
Engage in Physical Activity—Use the 15 minutes to do some light exercise, such as stretching or walking. Physical activity helps take your mind off the screen, improves blood circulation, and relieves muscle tension caused by sitting for prolonged periods.
Practice Mindfulness or Relaxation Techniques—During your break, practice breathing exercises, meditation, or visualization techniques. This will make you feel relaxed, stay focused, and re-energized for the rest of your online sessions.
Increase Text and Image Size
To ease eye strain, try enlarging fonts and images for better readability.
Squinting at tiny text on screens can strain your eyes, cause headaches, and dry your eyes out. Make text larger on your device to improve readability and reduce eye strain.
Reduce screen glare by adjusting brightness levels, enabling blue-light filters, and using matte screen protectors. These measures can decrease eye strain caused by long hours of staring at screens.
Remember to resize images too. Bigger dimensions help you see content without squinting or leaning too close. Many apps have tools or settings for zooming in or showing images in higher resolution.
Sleep Your Way to Brighter, Healthier Eyes
Lack of sleep can impact your eye health, causing tired eyes and discomfort. Try the following tips to maintain bright and healthy eyes:
Stick to a Sleep Schedule—Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate your body’s internal clock, ensuring you get the rest you need.
Blink Frequently—When engrossed in online classes, we tend to blink less, which could lead to dry eyes. Remind yourself to blink frequently to keep your eyes moist and relaxed.
Create a Soothing Pre-Sleep Routine—Unwind with calming activities like reading a book or listening to soothing music before bedtime. Lessen your screen time at least an hour before bed, as exposure to blue light from electronic devices can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Conclusion
Make your online learning journey more enjoyable by caring for your eye health. Some practical tips include creating a conducive study environment, practicing the 20-20-20 rule, and staying hydrated.
Remember to take regular eye breaks and prioritize your well-being while embracing the convenience of e-learning. Practice these healthy habits to combat screen exhaustion and maintain focus during online classes.