We are all surrounded by technology. We use it for work, for entertainment, and to keep in touch with family and friends. It can feel like you are stuck with your gadgets when you wake up and go to bed. You are not alone if you feel overwhelmed by technology. Technology fatigue is a name we have for it.
How can we deal with tech fatigue while living in a world that is constantly evolving?
Tech fatigue is what it is.
Technology fatigue happens when you find yourself surrounded by technology so much that it becomes overwhelming and exhausting. After constant use, screens have a way of mentally tiring us out with their constant demands on our attention. Learning how to make the most of technology without it overwhelming us is the challenge.
Take breaks.
Being constantly connected is easy to fall into. The internet makes it easy to make friends around the world, which means that messages and notifications are often flooding in at all hours of the day. Taking breaks from technology is a better way to be overwhelmed. It is a good idea to close the laptop, close your phone, and do something else once or twice a day. Even if it is only for 10 or 15 minutes at a time, you can still set a couple of daily reminders to prompt you to walk away.
Exercise.
Being immersed in technology means that we spend a lot of time in a chair or behind a desk. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to a number of different injuries and health problems, from carpal tunnel to back problems from poor posture. Sometimes the best thing we can do to prevent tech fatigue is to simply step away from our phones and computers and take a walk, run, or bike ride around the neighborhood. It forces you to take a tech break and is good for your health.
The boundaries should be set.
It doesn't mean that people should be allowed to access you at all hours thanks to the tech we have with us. Enforce boundaries. You might decide not to answer work messages before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., depending on your job and how you stay in contact with friends and family.
You can block notifications from specific contacts or apps with the Focus mode on Apple devices. You can do the same with the Do Not Disturb mode. It is a useful tool to help you establish boundaries to prevent tech fatigue, and it may require some tweaking to ensure that you are not missing important messages during work hours.
Try to be aware of your surroundings.
The internet is always ready to share a sad, sad, or otherwise negative news story at any time of the day or night. If your tech is making you anxious and stressed, practicing meditation andMindfulness can help.
If you don't know where to start, apps like Calm, Headspace, and a host of other options offer guided meditations that can take you through the basics. There are a lot of guided meditations on different topics on music services. Get started by picking a path.
Start a non-tech hobby.
Sometimes, we need something that keeps us busy without requiring us to use a computer or look at a screen. Take up a hobby that is tech-free, such as knitting, doing puzzles, or learning how to play guitar. Choose something that engages your mind and keeps you busy.
