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Top Tips For Reducing Your Screen Time Habit

Screen time has become a ubiquitous component of modern life, and while it can be used for productive and enjoyable purposes, itu2019s important to keep in mind how reliance on screens can impact our mental and physical well-being. Too much screen time can lead to eye strain, disrupted sleep, or even trouble focusing when not using technology u2013 all things that diminish our overall well-being and can lead to long-term consequences.u00a0

Developing healthy habits around devices is critical for maintaining a healthy balance between your online and offline lives. This may include setting limits on how many hours you spend viewing screens, taking restorative breaks between digital activities, or scheduling specific times when digital devices are turned off altogether. Here are our top tips for reducing your screen time:

Limit your screen time in a way that suits you 

First up, it’s important to acknowledge and understand how much time you are currently spending on your screens every day. Whether that’s your laptop for work, the TV in the evenings or your phone throughout the day. 

Once you realise the time it’s consuming, you can start to set a realistic goal for reducing the amount of time you spend across all screens. Then you might like to:

  • Set up notifications to alert you when you’re spending too much time staring at the screen
  • Use a timer to limit yourself to certain hours of the day for using technology
  • Uninstall apps that can be distracting, such as social media and gaming apps
  • Use a digital detox app to limit how much time you’re spending online
  • Schedule specific times of the day that are screen-free and stick to them

Make an effort to find activities that do not involve screens

It is so easy to get caught up in the digital world of texting and social media, not to mention work emails and Netflix binges. While these activities can be a great source of entertainment and other beneficial experiences, too much screen time can be unhealthy. New hobbies such as photography, painting or playing an instrument can help build skills while also reducing your digital consumption. Even something as simple as going for a walk or journaling can make all the difference when it comes to cutting back on excessive screen time. 

Turn off notifications on all your devices 

Do you need notifications for all alerts? Identifying which ones are essential (for example, during work hours it’s reasonable to check regularly) and which ones are not can help you reduce how much your screens demand attention. With some notifications turned off or muted during certain times (ideal for work), you won’t be tempted to check them every time something pops up. 

Alternatively, you could put your device away from you when you don’t need it, like in another room or in a drawer. This can be especially helpful at nighttime so you’re not tempted to spend ages scrolling before bed – something which will really impact the quality of your sleep.

This article is courtesy of Hannah Williams on behalf of JAM which is an award-winning telephone answering company with an enviable industry standing and an unrivaled reputation for excellence thanks to its highly trained, experienced, and motivated staff.

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Content may be edited for style and length.

References/Sources/Materials provided by:

https://www.healthline.com/health/the-mental-health-effects-of-being-constantly-online

https://medium.com/change-becomes-you/the-best-digital-detox-apps-for-your-phone-fcb1efa57534

https://www.jam.co.uk/responsible-screen-time-employee-wellbeing/

https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news-coronavirus/news/article/5059/screen-use-soars-among-uk-adults-post-lockdown

https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/184618/1/PolicyLeeds-Brief9_UK-screen-use-in-2022.pdf

https://science.nasa.gov/ems/09_visiblelight

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/#:~:text=Everyone%20needs%20different,to%209%20hours

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6214874/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735821000647

https://www.worldhealth.net/news/20-20-20-rule-helps-alleviate-digital-eye-strain/

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