For many of us, a typical day begins and ends with a digital device in hand. Sandwiched between these hours is the time spent professionally dedicated to a computer screen, which is often followed up with some quality TV time, to unwind from the day’s stresses.
While digital technology has unlocked countless capabilities and opportunities for connection, too much screen time can lead to burnout. With this in mind, Paula Madrigal (Assistant Director of Prevention & Health Promotion at Buffalo State University’s Weigel Health Center) co-hosted an informational and interactive workshop during which Jessica Chranowski (a California-based Health Practitioner and Founder of Pure Life Therapy) provided students with helpful techniques for relieving stress commonly associated with screen time burnout. One technique that Jessica walked students through was simple massage therapy, which can include rubbing your temples and pressure points to alleviate physical strain caused by prolonged screen usage.
Although this particular event occurred during the height of the pandemic – when life was predominantly virtual – the takeaways are timelessly applicable in today’s world.
Here are some insightful highlights from the workshop:
Q: What is burnout?
A: Burnout is physical or mental strain caused by overwork or stress. It is from a slow build up of constant stress.
Q: What are some signs of screentime burnout?
A: Fatigue, exhaustion, sadness, depression, anxiety, irritability, backache, neck ache, eye strain, stomach aches, wrist pain.
Q: If screentime burnout continues, what impacts could it have on your health (mental, physical, and social)?
A: -Mental Health Impacts: anxiety, irritability, depression, detachment, anger, avoidance, apathy, disinterest, or even grief (think about missing an important life event due to being stuck to a screen)
- Physical Health Impacts: spinal deterioration from poor posture, digestive issues, vision problems, carpal tunnel, lowered immunity
- Social Health Impacts: missing important events, avoiding bonding with loved ones, not being present when with others, forgetting social and communication skills
Q: Can you please share some helpful techniques you have for preventing screen time burnout?
A: When you are so stressed out that you feel frazzled, exhausted, anxious, detached or in physical pain, you need to increase your self care in order to help yourself feel better.
- Self care is as much of a skill as learning a language, sport, hobby. You want to know these skills before you have to need them. When you regularly practice taking mindful breaks throughout your classes and “shutting off” of the work day, your brain will recognize the pattern and easily switch gears.
- Mindful breaks can include stretching, breathing and creating little rituals to signal to your brain that it’s time to switch gears. The more you practice these skills, the more you will have control over how you react when you are truly being tested, in times of high stress.
This series is sponsored by Project Best Life. Buffalo Rising and Project Best Life have teamed up to produce a series on wellness inspiration and advice to direct readers to the people, places, and experiences in Buffalo and beyond that will help them fulfill their health, nutrition, and wellness goals. For more information on how you can live your best life, subscribe to the Project Best Life newsletter.
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In tough times, our efforts to maintain fitness, healthy nutrition, and personal wellness can fall by the wayside as we direct all our energy into navigating our individual storm. Yet, in the face of what’s happening in the world around us, it is essential to make space for self-care and experiences that fortify our physical and mental wellbeing.
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