I love spring, but it doesn’t love me back. For about the first week after leaf out when pollen is high for the first time this season I’m a miserable mess. However, I still need to get work done as I adjust allergy medications to combat the itchy, watery eyes, and congestion sinus headaches. One main thing that I struggle with during this time of year is looking at a computer screen. Here are three methods I use to continue working when pollen count is against me.
Paper
I do more work on paper than normal before approaching the screen. There are extra trips to stock up on books from the library instead of relying on the ease of ebooks. I print out my checklists and work on paper instead of checking the computer. These lists include every extra detail because my brain is concentrated on dealing with Spring–not remembering how to do routine tasks. These lists exist for things ranging from updating a client’s website to making coffee.
Shorter bursts
Over time, I determined that my not deep work but still requires focus time is optimal over a 45 minute to 1 hour span. Normally I’ll sit with a notebook or at my computer during that entire time block. During peak sinus season, I mix up how it’s used alternating 30-45 minutes of non-screentime work and 15 minutes with a screen.
Change the contrast
I use apps to modify the colour temperature balance on all my computers and portable devices. During the rough times I modify these settings to reduce contrast and make things easier to see. I try to avoid indoor lighting and rely more on natural light. If I’m sitting in my sunroom working and it’s very sunny, I no longer have a personal stigma against wearing sunglasses indoors.
I hope you find these three tips helpful to help you get through seasonal allergy season.