We have all probably experienced it by now - that
back-aching, eye itching fatigue that comes with too many hours spent on video
chat.
If you are working from home, or utilizing video conferencing
for other reasons outside of work, Patient First offers the below tips to help
ease your video chat fatigue and help you feel refreshed and ready to take on
your next call:
LEAN
ON ERGONOMICS
Make
sure you have a workstation ideal for productive and energized work days.
Maintaining
good posture throughout the day can help with shoulder and back pain caused by
slouching or leaning over your desk. Sit up straight with the back of the chair
supporting your upper and lower back.
In
addition to your posture, it is important to pay attention to the position of
your computer. The center of your computer screen should be level with your
eyes. When using multiple monitors, try to place both in your view to avoid
having to turn your head. Position the monitor at least an arm’s length away
from your chair.
TAKE
A BREAK
Make
sure you have enough time between video calls.
Allow
yourself at least five or ten minutes between conferences to take some time
away from your screen.
During
this time you can do some light stretching, or get up and walk around –
anything to get in those extra steps during your day.
LOOK
OUT FOR YOUR EYES
Often
during long video calls you can experience eye strain and find your eyes
watering or itching.
You
can help ease eye strain by following the 20-20-20 rule. This means taking a
break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away for 20
seconds. This quick break will help your eyes refocus and rejuvenate to help
prevent headaches that can come from prolonged video conferencing.
KEEP
IT OLD-SCHOOL
Remember
the good old days when you could just call someone up on the phone? When possible,
request that some of your meetings be over the phone rather than video chat.
This will keep your meetings flowing, but also help you differentiate between
calls, as we all know how a long day can become a blur.
Keep
in mind, if you spend a significant amount of time on the phone, use a headset
to help ease tension in your shoulders that can develop when you pinch the
phone between your cheek and shoulder.
Patient First physicians are available to talk about more
ways to help with video chat fatigue. Please
contact Brooke Waller at 571-340-1594 or email Brooke.Waller@patientfirst.com
for interviews.
Related Content
About Patient First
All Patient First Medical Centers are open 8 am to 10 pm
every day of the year, including holidays. Patient First provides
non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, primary care
for patients who do not have a regular physician, and Telehealth allowing
patients to visit with a provider directly through their smartphone, tablet, or
computer. Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site
laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First currently operates
medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Media Contact: Brooke Waller
(571)-340-1594 (Mobile)
Brooke.Waller@patientfirst.com
