BY HANNAH MERAKI
This article explores how you can disconnect from technology to reconnect with yourself.
Due to COVID-19 many of us have had to adapt our working environment to being at home and are having many video conference calls online. After doing so for several months now, we are experiencing what we call ‘zoom fatigue’.
The nature of a video conference call makes our bodies work harder to focus, process body language, facial expressions and voice. This, along with being ‘center stage’ on a call adds stress. Working from home has also meant longer working days for some and more meetings scheduled back to back. All of these together means that we consume more energy and are becoming more exhausted from working this way.
In this article, I will share some suggestions on how to disconnect from technology and reconnect with your body to help reduce stress and fatigue.
1. Start your day with movement.
Back to back meetings likely means sitting for a long time in one spot. So start the day with some Pilates so you can keep practicing good posture throughout the day instead of settling into a couch slump.
You can also start your day with a sweaty workout. Doing so will boost your happy hormones. Even if it’s just 10-20 minutes it will have a lasting effect on your day.
2. Try and schedule space in-between meetings.
This will allow you time to switch off, walk around the house, stretch, and mentally close the previous meeting and prepare for the next one.
3. Do grounding/Earthing.
This is simply being in nature. You can stand barefoot on grass or lay on it for at least a few minutes. By doing this, the body realigns its electrical energy by reconnecting to the earth. Earthing has been shown to reduce fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, and pain.
4. Breathe.
Bring some awareness to your breath. This will create a mindful moment for yourself which will relax you. You can try this simple breathing exercise:
Square Breathing
– Breathe in for 4 counts
– Hold your breath in for 4 counts
– Breathe out for 4 counts
– Hold your breath out for 4 counts
Repeat the patterns for a few minutes to bring yourself some calm.
5. Switch on your blue light filter in your electronic device.
Being exposed to screens longer means more blue light exposure which can potentially damage the eyes but it also causes us to stay ‘on’ for longer. Most devices have a blue light filter that you can either turn on all day or you can set a timer for it to come on at a certain time in the evening. It can be found in your display or screen settings; on iPhone, it’s called Night Shift. Doing this later on in the day, especially on your phones, will help you switch off better and unwind for the night for a more restful sleep. If your device doesn’t have this, you can buy blue light filter glasses.
6. Have a creative task or hobby away from an electronic device.
I would strongly encourage you to take part in an activity that is creative and fun and doesn’t involve an electronic device. Some suggestions are: reading, gardening, exercising, arts and crafts, or playing games. Being creative naturally allows us to be present and brings about mindfulness that will help reduce anxiety and stress.
7. Do some light stretches.
Lastly, here are some light stretches for you to do after long periods of sitting. Hold each stretch for approximately 30 seconds and focus on deep breathing and letting go of any tension whilst in each position.
It is especially important for us to look after ourselves and improve our health during this time, this may involve trying things that feel unusual to you. But making even a few small positive changes for your health will accumulate in a happier and healthier body and you!
You can find free workouts on my Instagram page @hannahmeraki or for a more specific and personalised program, you can contact me for online training by emailing hannah@merakimovement.org.
ABOUT HANNAH MERAKI
Hannah Meraki is a movement practitioner. Her career started as a dancer and choreographer in the UK. She now works in fitness as a personal trainer, yoga teacher and STOTT pilates mat and reformer instructor. She’s a free spirit and brings movement into life with her love for traveling, moving and inspiring others to live their best life.
Instagram: @hannahmeraki
Website: www.merakimovement.org
