In today’s world, it almost seems impossible to find enjoyment and entertainment in activities that don’t require us to be on electronics. We search for entertainment on our phones, televisions, laptops, tablets and so on. Anything with a screen seems to drag us in and keep us entertained for hours on end. We even tend to forget that too much screen time can have negative effects on us. We don’t consider how too much screen time affects our brains and bodies. A healthy habit we must consider is limiting our screen time! It is definitely way easier said than done even with all of the tools and alternatives available.
How Can We Limit Screen Time?
According to reidhealth.org, “adults should limit screen time to less than two hours per day”. So how exactly can we limit our screen time? There are many phone apps and settings that help you track your screen time. Tracking this helps you become aware of how long you’ve spent on an electronic device. You can even set a timer! Phone settings also help you silence or turn off notifications. Doing so can help you avoid unnecessarily checking your phone every time the screen lights up. Leaving your phone or any other electronic out of arm’s reach and out of sight can also help you limit screen time. Right now, it seems impossible to avoid screens but what you do to help yourself create screen limiting habits is a great start.
What Can We Do Instead?
With entertainment at our fingertips, we forget that other activities exist. Reading, journaling, creating art, exercising, spending quality time with friends and family, cooking, exploring your neighborhood are all great alternatives. This also enables you to pick up a skill and find enjoyment in new activities outside of watching and scrolling. It is beneficial to your mind and body as well. Since screen time is usually done in a resting state, our bodies suffer from lack of physical motion. Over time, this can lead to health problems beyond a sore neck, insomnia and poor posture. Some of the negative effects that our brains experience are mood changes, changes in cognition, memory, ability to focus and possibly depression and anxiety. Limiting your screen time may be difficult but the benefits are worth it. We, the bloggers of Kindly Beautiful, want to help you to be the best version of yourself!
Read more about the effects of screen time here!