Digital Detox: Reducing Screen Time

Screen Time Has Been On A Steady Rise Over The Years

Screens are in our cars, scattered throughout shopping centers, and even found at gas pumps – there are screens everywhere. Since the pandemic, screen time has increased even more. More people are working from home, which can weaken the boundaries between work life and home life.

When your workday ends, do you turn your computer off, or do you find yourself going back to it to check messages? You may find yourself working on one last project or perhaps working on your computer while you watch TV in the evening. Does social media take over your free time? Do you find yourself scrolling and then realize an hour has gone by?

There are pros and cons to media, but there must be a balance in our lives from our own mental and physical health. Too much screen time can cause us to disconnect from important things in life like family, exercise, work, chores, or hobbies.

This month, challenge yourself to limit screen time as often as you can. When you unplug, you become more aware of everything around you. You can engage with the world and the beauty of interacting with others.

Reducing screen time can:

• Give you more time with family and friends.
• Decrease stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Improve your overall mood.
• Allow you to be present in the moment.
• Give you more opportunities to be creative, be more active, enjoy the outdoors, and find new hobbies.
• Reduce mindless snacking, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
• Improve your sleep

Things you can do to reduce screen time:

• Shut off your electronic devices at the end of your workday.
• Turn off all media 60 minutes before bedtime.
• Eat without media of any kind to allow mindful eating.
• Engage in conversation with those around you.
• Set boundaries. This could include designating a screen time schedule for you and your family.
• Create tech-free zones.
• Explore new hobbies that can eliminate the urge to look at screens.

Many things in life come down to balance and learning to set boundaries. Look at your screen time and decide how you can disengage there and engage in other uplifting, mood-boosting, creative activities.