Blogging can be an incredibly fulfilling and lucrative endeavor, but it’s not without its challenges. From grappling with writer’s block to feeling unmotivated by a lack of progress, blogger burnout is a real phenomenon. It’s mental and emotional exhaustion that stems from stress, a repetitive routine, or unmet expectations. While the emotional and creative symptoms of burnout—like feeling uninspired or stuck—are well-known, the physical toll of blogging is often overlooked.
Consider the long hours bloggers spend in front of screens, researching, drafting, editing, and promoting content. This constant screen exposure can lead to digital eye strain, a condition that affects about 7 in 10 American adults. Symptoms like blurred vision, dry eyes, and eye fatigue can disrupt productivity and make burnout even harder to shake. The good news is that protecting your eyes and boosting your productivity is possible with a few healthy habits. Here are four simple tips you can add to your routine:
Undergo regular eye exams
As a blogger, you rely heavily on your vision to craft compelling content and refine your visuals. Scheduling an annual eye exam is crucial for ensuring that your eyes remain healthy and are functioning optimally. Take eye exams at LensCrafters; during these appointments, an eye doctor will conduct a battery of tests to get a better picture of your vision health. This may include visual acuity tests, refraction tests to determine whether you need prescription glasses, eye muscle coordination tests, and an examination of your eyes’ internal and external structures. A professional can also provide specific advice tailored to your screen-heavy lifestyle, such as recommending blue light glasses or lubricating eye drops. This proactive step prevents small issues from becoming major obstacles to your blogging productivity.
Optimize your workspace
Research shows that an ergonomically designed workstation positively influences health, well-being, work satisfaction, and performance. So, it’s worthwhile to take the time to create a setup where you can thrive. Begin by adjusting your computer screen to be at eye level and about an arm’s length away to minimize eye strain. If your budget permits, invest in ergonomic furniture like the Branch Verve Chair to maintain proper posture and prevent neck tension, which may worsen eye fatigue. Moreover, ensure your screen’s brightness matches the ambient lighting in your room. Excessively bright or dim screens can force our eyes to work harder, increasing discomfort.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Digital eye strain is a silent productivity killer, resulting in eye surface problems like irritation and dryness. Fortunately, the 20-20-20 rule has been scientifically confirmed to be an effective way to ease some of the symptoms of prolonged computer use. For this, you simply need to take a break of at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. This habit gives your eyes a chance to relax and reset, reducing strain and helping maintain focus. You can set a timer or use productivity apps like the Pomodoro Timer app to remind you to take these breaks. In addition to short pauses, squeeze in some longer breaks for stretching or practicing mindfulness to boost productivity and make it easier to tackle your blogging goals.
Keep your eyes and body hydrated
Dehydration can exacerbate dry eyes, a common symptom of digital eye strain. Studies also show that dry eye symptoms can impair visual function, limiting the ability to carry out daily activities and work productivity. As such, bloggers should prioritize staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Supplement hydration by consuming water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can contribute to eye health while providing sustained energy for long blogging sessions. Additionally, consider using artificial tears such as those by Bausch + Lomb to address feelings of dryness or irritation as you work.
Blogger burnout isn’t just about feeling unmotivated; it’s a multifaceted issue that includes physical factors like digital eye strain. By prioritizing your eye health with regular eye exams, an optimized workspace, the 20-20-20 rule, and proper hydration, you can protect your vision and maintain your productivity.