When COVID-19 struck, the world responded to this global health emergency without necessarily preparing for another sickness known as “Cybersickness.”
It usually starts as lightheadedness or nausea causing your senses to send conflicting signals to your brain.
Cybersickness can occur when you scroll on your smartphone or computer, use multiple screens, or attend a virtual meeting in which someone else is controlling the screen.
Orientation is the operating word here. You need your senses to get a feel for where you are and how you’re moving in the world. When your senses report contradictory information to the brain, it results in disorientation and physical symptoms.
Nausea
This can be an early sign of cybersickness- sometimes triggered by heavy eating.
Dizziness
Working at a screen for long periods, especially with the perception of movement, can make you feel lightheaded or as though the room is spinning. Dizziness can leave you feeling disoriented and make it difficult to concentrate.
Eye Strain
Staring at electronic devices can cause a big strain on the eyes. Other side effects include dryness, irritation and blurry vision.
Headache
You might develop neck and shoulder strain for your sedentary lifestyle. Along with eye strain, this could produce a headache. You may also experience drowsiness, flushing and sweating.
Here are 12 Ways to Fight Cybersickness:
Reduce overall screen time
Take breaks from writing, reading, online meetings and classes to exercise your body. Calculate the time spent on screens and set a daily limit.
Take A Break
Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes, stretch, and change positioning. You can take a walk, do some dishes or laundry, and cook if you work from home.
Anything But Screen
Focus your eyes on something stable other than the screen. Read a book, stare at a chair or your roommate or colleague. But don’t be creepy.
Avoid use of multiple screens at one time
Many think work is so much easier this way but what happens to the eyes in the long run? That’s food for thought.
Choosing Audio instead of Video When You Can
After spending long hours on screen throughout the day, don’t retire to bed with music video streaming when you can actually hear great music online.
Love the Good Old Books
Make printed books your preference by choosing audio or printed books over electronic reading material when possible.
Take Notes by Hand
There is virtue in writing by hand. Do it for the health of your eyes.
Slow Down
You need to slow your scroll speed down to take in the moment and focus on something at a time.
Reduce the Screen Brightness
Always adjust the screen brightness to a level that is good for your vision. Remember the rules of screen brightness: higher by the day, lower in the dark or nighttime.
Say No to Flashy Stuff
Beware of pop-ups and avoid flashy displays.
Avoid Heavy Foods
To avoid fighting sleep, you should avoid heavy foods before long periods of screen time.
When You Move, Don’t View
Avoid electronic screens when in a moving vehicle.
