What is Zoom Fatigue?

Suffering from eye strains, headaches, dry eyes or achy muscles after a long day of virtual learning? Students and office-workers alike deal with zoom fatigue -- end-of-the-day exhaustion following hours on the video platform, hard work and minimal social interaction.

Here’s a quick guide to reducing eye fatigue and staying productive during the workday.

How to Stay Productive

Take frequent breaks.

Whether it be yoga, taking a stroll, grabbing some water, or chatting with family, taking supplementary breaks minimize discomfort and eye strain without impairing productivity, according to a study by the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.

Be aware of your posture and workstation.

Position your monitor to eye level (stacked textbooks work great for propping up laptops) and select a chair for proper back support, making sure to properly adjust the height of the seat. Not only will good posture encourage productivity, your body will thank you for it.

Be ergonomic with your computer usage.

Be proactive with adjusting lighting to avoid glare and text sizes to avoid unnecessary squinting, and switch to a larger monitor if possible. In short, screen time causes you to blink less and incompletely, causing dry eyes and strain, so remember to blink to keep your eyes well lubricated.To give your eyes a break from the screen, follow the 20-20-20 method. And while eye exercises may not preserve vision, practicing eye exercises can be a refreshing break.

Be sure to talk to an eye care professional for more information or serious concerns.