Can your eyes survive Q1?

It is widely recognised that the first financial quarter, Q1, begins in April.  Where for many, it marks a transition from the Christmas holidays, winter, end-of-year sales and budget cycles. Q1 is critical for setting annual budgets, reviewing performance, and launching early-year strategic plans, so this is an all-hands-on-deck, “lock in” period where people push themselves to achieve something great for the year. This sharp increase in focus, ambition and determination could easily lead to longer, more intense screen hours. Now I wouldn’t dare to tell you to hide away from the new challenges that may be coming your way, instead I am going to share three reminders to help to guide you through it. 

1. Screen breaks - if you cannot reduce your screen hours, at the very least you must interrupt them. The guidance is that every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look 20 feet away. But if that is going to completely blitz your focus or ability to carry out your tasks, adapt that in a way that seems manageable and sensible for you. 

Don’t forget! A screen break does not include going from your laptop to your mobile, that’s just you going from one screen to another even tinier screen. No bueno.

2. Screen set up - Make sure you’re using an appropriately sized screen, with appropriately sized font and appropriate contrast (where possible) and in good lighting. Your screen should be around eye level, whether that be a monitor, laptop or even tablet. You should maintain a good distance from the screen, appropriate to the task and your visual requirements.

3. Screen protection - If you have been given glasses for screen use, please make sure you are wearing your glasses when you are on screens! Consider: am I wearing appropriate eyewear? Is it the latest prescription? Can you see clearly with them? If the answer is no to any of those three questions, it’s best you book yourself an eye examination. 

Top tip: If you’re a contact lens wearer who happens to suffer from drier eyes, you may wish to consider wearing your glasses for these intense screen days. If you don’t have a prescription still have a think about whether your screen has the necessary filters built in.