I nudged Ann to try a 20 minute power nap for a pick-me-up. At this point, Ann clarified the problem and posed a question... "It isn't that I'm tired it's just that I've been looking at a screen (whether large or small) for too long - any remedies for that????"
Ann, there's a reason your brain's tired and wants rebooting. Your working memory's on overload. No doubt, you viewed hundreds of images on your screen. Using the working memory takes energy. Working memory has limited slots compared to the parts of your brain that store long term memories. For example, visualize the amount of water a thimble holds compared to a water glass. This helps you approximate the size of the working memory compared to the basal ganglia.Interestingly, of all the images on your screen, you remember the striking ones or those that hold import. Why? Because your working memory's very small. Images without much meaning "spill out." Since the brain has no need to store images you won't need in future, it "forgets" these on purpose. Can you see why you had the feeling you needed to "reboot your brain?"
Okay, Ann, if you've looked at your computer screen too long, here're several activities to bring relief...
1. Tea-break option. Stu Carter of the UK set his computer to flash a picture of a cup of tea on the screen every hour. When he sees it, Stu leaves his computer for five minutes to get some tea.
2. Run up and down stairs for five. Set a timer to go off at hourly intervals and run up and down stairs. This will spike oxygen flow to your body and brain.
3. Put on headphones and tap your feet to music. This can help keep your circulation going and help you to concentrate. Music moves your brain waves in ways that help your focus at the same time.
4. Walk to the water cooler every hour. Friends gather here so you can share humor and drink a glass of water. Water fuels your brain so drink up. Humor releases serotonin, a brain hormone, that relieves some of your stressors.
5. Focus on objects at varied distances. Close your eyes and take five deep breaths; look into the distance or at a photo of a distant scene; look at something very close (your shirt button or your nose) then look out the window; turn your head from side to side and let your eyes skim over objects in front of you; close your eyes and remember a time when you felt relaxed and calm; get up and stretch.
6. Alternate computer activities with other tasks. Keep a to-do list on your desk so that you can easily set a pattern.
7. Use artificial tears to moisten dry eyes. Sitting at your computer can dry your eyes so the "tears" make a difference.
8. Adjust lighting near computer to avoid glare and reflections. Also try a non-glare filter over your monitor
9. If you wear glasses, be sure to include a UV filter and transition lenses. I find my transition lenses not only prevent too much sun outside, they help ease eye strain from work at the computer.
10. Blink frequently. When you work at a computer screen, likely you tend to stare and do not blink as much as you might otherwise. Focus on blinking more to prevent discomfort of dry eyes.
We all need new strategies to "reboot our brain," Ann, especially when we sit at our computers too long.
What tips might you add for Ann or for that matter for yourself... to relieve long hours at your computer screen... especially to keep your brain at full tilt?
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