“Screens are the new sugar,” explains Peep Club founder and optometrist Nicola Alexander-Cross - and this couldn’t be more true. In the era of AI and constant connectivity, it’s vital that we take steps to protect our mental and physical well-being.
Before we dive into how to combat digital fatigue, it’s important we understand what it actually is. To put it simply, Digital Fatigue is defined as physical and mental exhaustion linked to excessive exposure to digital technologies (screens, computers, etc.) In a world run by online platforms, taking action to support our own health in the digital space is more important than ever. If left unchecked, digital fatigue can have serious consequences for both individuals and organisations such as:
Read on to discover how our SilverDoor team manage digital fatigue and how you can too...
Break away from the screens and enjoy a ‘digital free’ weekend
It might sound easier said than done, but 40% said they interact more with people through their devices than in the physical world. For those in tech-heavy roles, the screen-time balance can be particularly tricky, but that’s why carving out screen-free time is so important.
Try a weekend without social media, TV, or email. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, get outdoors, or reconnect with hobbies that don’t require a device.
Hear from Matt Fletcher, our Development Manager at SilverDoor on how he copes with digital fatigue:
"I think it's important to remember that there's more to life than the digital devices we spend so much time staring into. After a particularly busy week at work, I will sometimes set aside the weekend as screen-free time. The laptop stays closed, I avoid social media and TV, and either head out to The Lakes for a hike or stay in and crack out the board games."
Matt Fletcher, Development Manager
Make use of amenities and social spaces in your accommodation
Serviced apartments are the ideal choice for a restful business trip, offering a true home-from-home experience. Unlike a small hotel room, they provide more space to relax, allowing you to separate work from leisure comfortably.
if your accommodation has a gym, take it as an opportunity to step away from the screens and build up the endorphins. In fact, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of depression by up to 30%.
Likewise, many modern serviced apartments include shared lounges or co-working spaces. Make the most of them. Ditch the phone and chat to someone face-to-face. While tech has made staying in touch easier, over-reliance on messaging apps can lead to disconnection. Human interaction plays a vital role in maintaining our mental well-being, as it can seriously impact our mood, brain function, health, behaviour, and thought patterns.
Our Senior Client Programme Manager, Amy Pammenter highlights the importance of face-to-face connections below:
“Personally, being able to walk across the office and have a quick conversation with someone makes all the difference - especially after a busy day spent glued to a screen. Face-to-face contact is vital for tackling digital fatigue. We often forget that our colleagues are usually just across the office, not miles away.”
Amy Pammenter, Senior Client Programme Manager
Live like a digital nomad and work from different locations
Another way you can help combat digital fatigue is by taking the opportunity to work in a new location and travel whilst you work, for example living life as a Digital Nomad, with more freedom and flexibility to travel whilst you work. If you’re interested in learning about what a digital nomad is and how to be one, read our blog here to learn more.
In terms of digital fatigue, changing your work environment, be it a café or new location, can help stimulate your brain and reduce feelings of isolation you may feel sat at your desk. According to Attention Restoration Theory, even brief exposure to natural or varied environments helps restore directed attention and reduce cognitive fatigue.
In addition, when residing in a new place, you are more likely to explore the outdoors and even try new places, ensuring you’re taking ample breaks to avoid mental exhaustion.
Our Senior Client Programme Manager, Emma Horton, advocates for striking a balance between leveraging technology and in-person, lived experience.
“As we live in a world where tech has enhanced our abilities to be able to communicate with each other around the globe, it can’t go unnoticed that our ability to connect with nature, cultures and people has been altered - using a video call simply doesn't offer the same experience as feeling the grass in your toes or connecting with a new friend. This is where being a digital nomad offers the best of both sides - work from a new place, have a new experience and retain your ability to work efficiently”.
Emma Horton, Senior Client Programme Manager
Build a healthier relationship with your screen
We can’t avoid the fact that digital systems and screens are a key part of our working day. However, there are simple habits we can adopt to reduce the risk of digital fatigue. Practising healthy screen habits daily can make a big difference.
One useful method is the 20-20-20 rule. Staring at a screen for extended periods can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. The 20-20-20 rule helps prevent this by encouraging you to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something at least 20 feet away. These short, regular breaks give your eyes a much-needed rest and help maintain focus and comfort throughout the day.
Our Development Manager, Joe Beaver, firmly believes in this method…
“Not everyone realises that digital fatigue can build up during the working day, not just after it. For me, it’s often the constant context switching that contributes most: jumping between code, meetings, and messages might feel productive, but it takes a real toll. That’s why I try to carve out quiet hours and follow simple habits like the 20-20-20 rule. Giving my eyes and brain regular breaks helps me stay focused and feel less drained by the end of the day.”
Joe Beaver, Development Manager
Although we live in a world dominated by the digital space, we hope you now feel better equipped to navigate it. Whether that means prioritising ‘digital-free’ weekends, making the most of amenities and social spaces, or even embracing the lifestyle of a digital nomad, there are countless ways to avoid digital fatigue and maintain a healthy balance.
Now you’re clued up just how to combat feelings of digital fatigue, start your business travel journey now with SilverDoor click here…
