Did you know that too much screen time isn’t just a problem when it comes to children? In fact, adults can suffer mentally and physically if they don’t step away from their screens for regular breaks or, even better, turn them off completely once in a while. Too much screen time has been linked to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, as well as obesity and insomnia, and other conditions. If you feel you spend too much time on your devices, whether for work or pleasure or both, here are some ways to reduce that screen time for the sake of your health.
Keep Track Of Your Screen Time
It’s all too easy to spend far more time looking at screens on laptops, tablets, smartphones, or TV than we realize. This is especially true if we’re using them for work and then using them to unwind after work too. However, if you add the fact that they can be a great way to keep connected with family and friends, you might find that you’re looking at a screen much more often than not.
The best thing to do is to keep track of your screen time. You can use an app or simply remember to time your usage, and then you’ll be able to see exactly how much time you spend using your devices. Once you know, you’ll be able to work out ways to reduce that time. You can even set up timers to only use them for a little while before you are notified that it’s time to stop.
Of course, sometimes screens are essential, such as if you’re at work. In this case, you can use specially designed computer glasses from Just-glasses.co.uk to reduce your eye fatigue. It’s still important to take breaks when you can, however.
Always Have A Book With You
If you find that you slip back into old habits and start scrolling through your social media feed as soon as you have any kind of downtime, such as on your commute to work, during your lunch break, or just before you go to sleep, switch this behavior out for something else. The easiest thing to do is always ensure you have a book with you.
No matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Reading instead of looking at your screen might still use your eyes, but it’s not as damaging; it’s the light emitted from the screens that do the most harm. Keep a book in your car, on your desk, or in your bag, and you can start reading instead of scrolling. This will reduce your screen time significantly, and you’ll boost your creativity and knowledge at the same time.
Leave Your Phone At Home
Of all the devices that take up a lot of screen time, the smartphone wins out. Tablets are bulkier, so not quite as mobile, and laptops tend to stay in one place most of the time. Of course, if you’re out and about, it’s the phone you’re going to have with you, which is why it’s always best to leave it at home if you can.
Of course, it can feel worrying not to be able to contact someone or be contacted in return should the need arise (although this is a different matter and disconnecting entirely can be a good thing), so if you must have your phone with you, remove the apps you use most before you go – you can always put them back later.
By removing your emails, social media, and video programs, you can focus on what’s around you. And your phone will be solely for communication for a short while.
