11 Comments

Excellent post (again!). Makes for surprisingly reassuring reading, as I’ve similarly recently started thinking something serious was going on with my eyes. I was hugely conscious that, like most, I’ve been doing far more screen time since Covid landed (in addition to an already standard 5 full day/working week primarily on a laptop screen) however despite being back to the gym and semi-normal active life, I’m observing this blurred vision/difficulty focussing long distance, poor posture and sometimes slightly off balance is acutely more noticeable, even when not in anxiety-induced situations. I had my suspicions but this post has cemented it 100%… and a determination for consciously less phone/screen activity. As Lisa commented it’s another reason why I can’t/don’t post replies as much as I’d like as it involves, yes, more close-range screen time! Funnily, the Anxious Morning is one of the few delightfully different forums where I can just listen without looking at a screen. True this can also be done when listening back Drew’s Instagram podcasts though I always find I’m tempted to speed read the comments which drop in, involving yet more tiny-screen squinting lol. Thanks for nailing another impactive, relevant issue Drew… just when one thinks every possible side topic has long been covered!

Expand full comment

Totally agree with this. If I have been staring at my phone screen for a long time and then look up, I have trouble focusing...it feels slightly like I'm really not a part of this world. So weird. Great reminder to unplug and give your body a break! Thank you.

Expand full comment
Jun 29, 2022Liked by Drew Linsalata

I just discovered this “phenomena” last week! That’s so wild that this was your topic today.

Expand full comment
Jun 29, 2022Liked by Drew Linsalata

It’s like you’re talking to me! Dizziness is my biggest problem, that and numb feet?? Anyway… I do that. I spend too much time on a screen and then feel worse after I try to put it down so I pick it back up! Thanks Drew this was an awesome reminder! BTW I have a feeling my neck will be thanking you too!

Expand full comment

YES, YES, YES! Drew you always know what to speak on at the right times! Chemo days at the hospital with my husband are long, sometimes seven hours. I always take two huge bags of things with me to occupy my time; books, cross stitch, word finds and food. (RN’s think we are moving in lol) However I usually end up sitting on my cell phone watching a movie or listening to a podcasts etc. to pass the time. Then when it’s time to leave and I get behind the wheel my eyes won’t focus. I can’t see up ahead. Then I think 🤔 is this anxiety? I don’t feel anxious. Even when I worked in the office 9 to 10 hour staring at the computer screen Same thing would happen and I would think to myself what is wrong with my eyes? I am so glad Drew that you spoke on this today to help put things into perspective for everyone! Now I will admit, one of my doctors did put me on a hormone replacement that did some very unpleasant things to my vision, feeling off balanced etc. that I am trying to get corrected. However, point to story, use these opportunities to work the tools you are learning through The Anxious Truth, Clair Weaks, DARE and The Happiness Trap. When the feelings hit I told myself OK Renay here’s your opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice. 😊. Love you Big Guy!

Expand full comment
Jun 29, 2022Liked by Drew Linsalata

Oh man I could have written this myself! Currently in vestibular therapy for this exact condition!!! Blaming it on anxiety & meds. Time to put down the phone!

Expand full comment
Jun 29, 2022Liked by Drew Linsalata

Yes, yes, yes! I have had many variations of this, and it's why I can't answer every poster on the group that I want to. I've been told I have to vary the screen time with regular human vision time or all sorts of weirdness happens. I recommend to everyone now that they 1. Remember to blink when using devices. We don't blink enough when looking at screens, so you have to consciously do it. 2. Every 20 minutes or so look into the distance and stretch your eyes but looking around without moving your head. 3. Remember to do the things we used to do to entertain ourselves like walk and dance and cook and build things and any number of things that were off of screens and took hand eye coordination such as playing a musical instrument or knitting. Thanks for this post, Drew!

Expand full comment

I experience this on a daily basis. I am out walking and this will begin to happen. I will look up and do become dizzy also for a while. I continue to walk but also do not become fearful and I can enjoy my walk. Thank yu for everything that I read from you as it has brought me peace in so many ways

Expand full comment
Jun 29, 2022Liked by Drew Linsalata

Technology can be a good thing if used in moderation just like anything. I try to remember this and along with healthy foods and exercise keeps life well rounded and diverse. You can get caught up in the ease of having the world’s information at your fingertips. But know when it’s too much. Thank you, Drew for this important thought today. Very relevant to society in general and our community! Keep looking up!😊

Expand full comment
Jun 29, 2022Liked by Drew Linsalata

Thanks again Drew I saw my Physiologist yesterday and she said pretty much the same thing. I am developing laiphosis (not sure if spelling) a curvature of my spine which is affecting my walking and confidence. I need to spend less time on my phone and more on walking or exercise.

Expand full comment
Jun 29, 2022Liked by Drew Linsalata

I will say this again - I love your sense of humour, almost spit my tea on my iPad.

Anyway, precious advice. In my case also taking vitamin B12 helped with imbalance. But screens and smartphones are killing us in so many ways. For me a book Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport was a big eye opener, and it made me see how internet addiction is directly contributing to my anxiety disorder in a BIG way. I recommend. Have a nice day you all

Expand full comment