For the last six months we have been inundated with technology more than ever before, leaving many of us digitally fatigued and overloaded by media. If you’re anything like me, the coronavirus has left you overwhelmed and digitally tapped out. Being attached to your device before the pandemic had a different meaning than it does today.
The pressure to be constantly on and connected has left me virtually unbothered and ultimately over it. Remote learning has left parents, students and teachers feeling the relentless pressure to be tech savvy and always ready. Between discussion boards, video conferencing and business meetings, I am unsure which one bothers me the most. I used to think technology was a privilege, but recent events have shown just how much the world can be persuaded by the media.
It’s hard to establish a sense of normalcy when every part of our lives are currently burdened with some form of device. It’s exhausting, and we all need a break and some time to reset. Although I appreciate the convenience of being able to do most of my tasks from home, it’s still hard not to feel swamped while sitting in front of a screen for 8 or more hours out of the day. With fear of a second wave, the pandemic woes are still a part of our daily media intake. The constant worry on news outlets associated with racial tension and political uncertainty can overwhelm anyone as well.
Managing our daily media intake and digital usage can help us allocate time to the things that are important. Companies like Apple have screen time monitors that allow you to see how much time you spend on social media, reading, research and other sub categories. If you’re having trouble managing your time, take a look at the places in the categories with excessive use. if they aren’t essential, make a conscious decision to decrease time in that area and use it to focus on your mental health.
I’ve learned to manage my time more efficiently by evaluating the places in my daily life that consume me the most. I try to get most of the work done that requires me to be in front of the screen early in the day; giving myself a cutoff time so I am not overwhelmed. Make time for things that have nothing to do with devices. Your brain will thank you.
Although COVID has caused us to be digitally tapped out, it’s our responsibility to control what we engage with and consume online. Since our new normal requires us to be technologically efficient, we have to adapt and create spaces that don’t require us to be digitally connected.
