Digital Exhaustion Is Real: How to Recognise It Before Fatigue Hits
We’ve all felt it: screen fatigue after video calls, brain fog from endless pings, the pull to keep scrolling even when we’re exhausted. This isn’t just modern life. It’s digital exhaustion, a sign that our relationship with technology needs intention.
Technology can be a force for connection, clarity and creativity when we engage with it intentionally. Otherwise, it can drain our energy and wellbeing, just like anything else we overdo in life. The digital spaces we inhabit require balance.
What is digital exhaustion?
Also called digital fatigue, it’s the mental, emotional and physical strain caused by extended screen time, continuous meetings and an always-on culture. It can build slowly and undermine mood, focus and our basic drive.
What the data tells us:
Meetings after traditional working hours (after 8 pm) are up 16% year-on-year, according to Microsoft’s June 2025 Work Trend Index.
Nearly one-third of workers are back in their inboxes after 10 pm.
The average worker now receives 117 emails and 153 Microsoft Teams messages daily.
Globally, people spend about 6 hours 40 minutes per day on screens, that’s roughly 40% of waking hours.
Why it matters
Digital exhaustion isn’t harmless tiredness, it hampers creativity, disrupts mood and increases burnout risk. Physical health is also affected: prolonged screen use often leads to eye strain, headaches and disrupted sleep.
How to spot it early
Constant tiredness could indicate → You’re overstimulated with limited recovery
Difficulty switching off could indicate → Your mind is wired and restorative rest is needed
Low energy or demotivation could indicate → You need recovery, not more inputs
Irritability or emotional dips could indicate → Your system is asking for a reset
Small shifts that help with digital balance
Balance isn’t about unplugging, it’s about using technology constructively with awareness.
Create 'tech-light' zones: no screens before bed or during lunch, even 10–15 minutes away resets your energy.
Take mindful breaks: steps, stretches, or a brief pause outside can restore focus.
Mute distractions: pause alerts during deep work sessions or time set aside for relaxing.
Rethink meetings: shorter touch-ins and audio-only sessions reduce cognitive load.
Set clear boundaries: signal when you're offline so others can respect your rest.
Let tech support you: use tools that remind you to pause or help you organise time, not flood you with tasks.
A mindset shift worth making
Digital balance isn’t about rejecting technology, it’s about befriending it thoughtfully. It’s a crucial modern skill that helps us stay present, energised and authentically creative - and a skill that supports our very human thriving.
Digital balance is something I'm continuously working on in my life to support my own thriving and to Live Life Yummie.
