How screens affect your mind and generate mental fatigue
What is screen-related mental fatigue?
Why does this fatigue occur?
What are the consequences for you?
How to reduce mental fatigue?
Why should you take care of your mental fatigue?
Mental fatigue is the feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or difficulty concentrating after prolonged periods using screens. Have you ever wondered why you feel tired after several hours in front of the computer, mobile phone, or tablet?
Your brain consumes a lot of energy processing the large amount of visual and auditory information coming from screens. In addition, frequent distractions, constant notifications, and digital multitasking add stress and quickly deplete your mental resources.
The blue light emitted by screens also increases this fatigue, reducing melatonin and disrupting restful sleep (source).
Screen-induced mental fatigue reduces your ability to concentrate, increases your errors, affects your emotional state, and decreases your overall productivity. Additionally, it can lead to chronic stress and insomnia.
Here are some simple steps you can start following today:
Managing your attention better and protecting your mind from digital saturation significantly improves your energy, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
Start implementing small changes today and you will quickly see great benefits in your daily life.
- Apply the "20-20-20" rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds to rest your eyes and mind.
- Take frequent breaks away from the screen, ideally by walking or getting fresh air.
- Turn off unnecessary notifications to reduce constant interruptions.