How to decrease screen time and why


How to decrease screen time and why

As we all knew, too much television is bad for us. So we need to decrease our screen time . Now, we just stare at the screen. We stare at the screen in one way or another, whether it's the TV, our phone, or our laptops.

Which direction are we headed?

With mindless habits, what are we doing to our bodies?

This realization dawned on me when I was on holiday and saw people all around me looking at their screens instead of paying attention. Everyone is scrolling, from children to seniors and even an elderly couple.

I was struck by the importance of limiting and reducing screen time. This prompted me to question my own -

Why should we decrease screen time

To find out why screen time should be reduced, I began to analyze and observe myself and those around me.

One of the first benefits of reducing screen time was that one could sleep better, so it makes sense. Half of all mental and physical problems can be solved if one sleeps well.
Why screen time should be reduced

Although we haven't noticed, prolonged exposure to the screen can cause serious health problems.

The effect on the eyes

Dry eyes are a common complaint. Although this was not a common condition, it is now more common.

Eye strain and vision problems can result from prolonged screen time. This can cause headaches, blurry vision, and difficulty focusing. This is known as computer Vision Syndrome.

Digital eye strain is another name for computer vision.

Nearsightedness is increasing due to prolonged screen time and close-up viewing. It can have devastating effects on the eyes.

The effect of sleep

You are correct, prolonged screen time can have a dramatic effect on our sleep patterns.

Avoid using a screen before bed and at night.

These devices emit blue light, which reduces melanin production and prevents us feeling sleepy.

Our minds are constantly active and alert when we scroll through social media, read news or play online games. This can disrupt our sleep cycle.

We all know that sleep is better when our minds are relaxed and we feel at peace. It is therefore important to limit screen time .

We tend to ignore our bodies because we don't move as much when we are looking at screens. This leads to mindless eating and not paying enough attention to food. We end up eating everything and skipping clean eating. Unhealthy eating habits can have a negative effect on our ability to get good sleep.

Screentime and well-being

Migraines in children and adults can be caused by prolonged screen time. Sedentary living habits can lead to obesity, depression, increased stress levels, and loneliness. All things are interconnected

We tend to eat unhealthy food when we are sitting down or lying down while we watch the screen. Our habits are often not well-known. This can lead to poor food choices and a lack of physical activity that has adverse effects on our health.

Inhibits communication skills

As we communicate online most of the day, we often lack basic communication skills. This is particularly true for younger generations. It is vital to have a healthy relationship with others. It is therefore important to be aware of our habits and reduce screen time.
Reducing screen time

We all know that too much screen time can be harmful to our health. However, as our lives and work revolve around digital space, it is best not to cut down on screen time.

It is impossible to escape the screen completely, so there are several conscious ways we can decrease screen time.
Tips for reducing screen time

Below is a list of conscious and healthy habits that can be made to decrease screen time

It is important to not use any screen for at least two hours before you go to bed.
There are no screens in the bedroom or the dining room
Physical activities as well as connecting with nature are two of the many benefits of engaging in physical activities.
You will need to see the screen at work so make sure you get a pair of good glasses
You should be paying attention to your screen time, and correct yourself if you're guilty of mindless scrolling.
A range of apps can help you reduce screen time like Social fever, Digital Wellbeing, Freedom, and many others.

Tips for reducing screen time for adults

Keep track of your screen time

It is important to monitor your screen usage and set a limit after the pandemic. You can monitor your screen time on your smart phone by using the screen time function. This allows you to keep an eye on screen usage daily and weekly. You can set limits, and the phone will notify you if your screen time increases.

Avoid video fatigue

Adults can find it quite taxing to spend too much time online, attend meetings and participate in video calls. This can lead to fatigue. You can find some time to move around between video calls. Take a break and walk around the house, mindfully reducing screen time.

Reminders

You can use technology to set reminders that you will be free from the screen at different times throughout the day if it's really hard to disconnect.

Taking regular breaks

You should stop staring at your screen while working.

Stretch

You can develop a certain posture by using the computer all the time. Try stretching at regular intervals to get rid of this habit. Chair yoga can be used to move your neck and shoulders while you are sitting in a chair. Make sure to move at least one part of your body.

Attention to the

You can keep your posture in check throughout the day to reduce the strain from long screens.

It is simple to remember not to eat in front the screen. This helps to take a break and decreases screen time
Screen time tips for toddlers

It is vital to instill a healthy habit in children so they can reduce their screen time

Undivided Attention:

We all know that children learn from adults. If your kids call or text you, make sure to not use your phone. Instead listen to them and have one-on-one conversations. This will show them that they are important, and not the phone or laptop.

Participating in activities

Engage your children in activities that involve touch sensations like drawing, painting, gardening, and singing.

Family outings

You can plan out outings that include a trip to the water park, trekking, or going to the Zoo instead of going to the cinema or shopping at the mall.

Creating a schedule

It is important to establish a schedule with your child regarding how much screen time they will be using.

You must be on the lookout. You must also ensure that the schedule is adhered to, no matter what.

Making screen free zones

It is crucial to have no screens in your home. You can let your children know that screens are not allowed in their reading area or when they eat in the kitchen.

The next step is the daunting question
What should I do to reduce my screen time?

Experts agree that the best way to avoid this is to limit your screen time to two hours per day.

There are no rules or guidelines, but it is a good idea to avoid staring at the screen for too long.

It is important to set realistic goals and to keep them in mind.

Include all other activities, such as eating without the screen, exercising and then looking at the screen.
Excessive screentime and mental health

Screen time is defined as spending between 8 and 18 hours on the computer screen without thinking about other things. Screen time has increased, especially during the pandemic.

It is common to spend too much time on social media or other related platforms, without giving it a second thought. This can have negative effects on your body and mind.

Staring at the screen all day can disrupt the melanin function, which in turn affects your sleeping patterns. This keeps the brain alert and awake and causes the body to release cortisol, a stress hormone. This in turn leads to increased tension.

This is why the brain's electrical activity never stops working, which in turn leads to the following

Cognitive function of the brain declines
website Attention span decreases
There are many mental fogs.
Decision making skills are reduced
Memory problems can be very serious.
Reduced problem solving ability
Energy levels are lower overall
Stress and anxiety can develop over time.
There are many mood swings, including getting upset quickly and depression.

Parting Thoughts

It is very important to reduce screen time as it can have long-lasting and irreversible effects on our health. It is important to develop conscious habits and a lifestyle to reduce screentime.

Let me know if your goal is to reduce screen time, and if so, what steps have you taken. What are your roadblocks and how have you overcome them?

Healthy habits are built through conscious choices

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