Easy on the Eyes

Mar 14, 2016

WAHVE-Easy-on-the-EyesAs a wahver, you have the power to create a space where you can be most productive. Whether at home or your local coffee shop, you can establish your most ideal work environment. There’s no “weekend catch-up” cubicle chatter to distract you, no impromptu birthday cake to indulge in, no water cooler gossip to participate in. Because there aren’t as many disruptions, you are better equipped to “find your grind” and maximize your efficiency.

We believe in the work-at-home model and wahvers owning their uninterrupted productivity. But it’s important to keep in mind that while working whether on a desktop or laptop remotely is awesomely easy on your schedule, it’s not always so easy on your eyes. Nor was it easy on your eyes when you worked in an office.

Whether you’re a wahver or still working in an office, all too frequently, screen time is taken to the extreme, especially when we’re scrambling to make a deadline or catching up on emails after a holiday break. Right now, you’re reading this blog post through bright pixels on your computer or phone screen. Mixed with the light around you and the amount of time you’ve been fixed on the screen, your eyes could be strained.

Luckily, there are some great hacks for combatting eyestrain, even when you have to stare into digital domains for long stretches of time. For example, many health professionals encourage the 20-20-20 rule. This practice encourages you to look away from your screen (whether it be a computer, iPad, phone, or TV) – every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, while focused on a fixed point that is 20 feet away from you. Once these 20 seconds are up, blink it out, then continue your work. Bonus “20”: Your screen should always be at least 20 inches away from your face!

Eager for more tips? This WIRED article, “Keep Your Computer From Destroying Your Eyesight”, shares some great strategies for protecting your eyes without diminishing your at-home productivity.

Lastly, don’t forget that mini-breaks throughout the day can also provide your eyes with some relief. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends six of these mini-breaks (five minutes or so) throughout the day to reduce any discomfort from screen time. While five minutes may not seem like a lot of time, it’s just enough to come back to your work with fresh perspective.

What are your favorite ways to take mini-breaks? How do you interrupt your screen time?

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