Tips to Reduce Your Screen Time.
Ahh, we all know the feeling of that dreaded screen time notification popping up, only to tell you that you spent an average of 7 hours & 33 minutes per day on your device last week… 📲 🫠 For many of us working from home, this is a harsh reality. Chances are, you’re likely to be connected to multiple devices, receiving pings and notifications left, right and centre. For many of us, we struggle to detach from our devices once the workday is over. So even if you’ve spent 8 hours glued to your desktop computer, you then spend an additional 3 hours on your iPhone and maybe two hours watching Netflix. It’s no wonder we feel so burnt out. 🤷♀️ We’re here to tell you all that screen time isn’t doing anything for you. Let’s discuss screen time and how to reduce it.
How much screen time is too much?
This is subjective, as for many of us - we have to spend a full day’s work on our computers. Others may have physical jobs where they don’t heavily rely on screens. Experts suggest that adults should limit screen time outside of work to less than two hours per day. We think this is a reasonable goal for many of us to aim to stick to.
How much time are you spending on your screen?
Those mindless scrolls on Instagram truly add up. Ask yourself how much time are you spending glued to your screen? Do you check your phone as soon as you wake up? Are you scrolling your news feed on your morning tea or lunch break? Becoming aware of when and why you’re scrolling is useful when it comes to stopping it.
What are the negative effects of too much screen time?
Like most things, social media can be great, in moderation. But, our phones do negatively begin to impact us when used too much. Although our phones have a way of bringing us together; they can also act as a social barrier. Our phones can get in the way of building meaningful relationships. So ask yourself next time, who’s cooler? My friend or my phone? And it’s highly likely you’ll choose your friend any day of the week.
Too much screen time can also lead to physical symptoms like:
Eye strain
Migraine or headaches
Insomnia
Lack of activity - leading to obesity
Neck, shoulder and back pain
Feelings of stress, depression and anxiety
Here are our tips to reduce your screen time. 👇🏼
Track your screen time to become more aware of how often you’re picking up your device.
Instead of that morning tea or lunchtime scroll - opt for a walk or a conversation with a loved one.
Ditch your phone alarm and purchase a bedside alarm clock - there are actually some pretty cool ones out there like these Lexon alarm clocks.
No phones at the dinner table
Aim to stay off your phone for at least two hours before bed. The blue light from your phone is doing nothing for your sleep.
Instead of the bedtime scroll opt for a book and scroll that instead. It’s better for your eyes and your mind.
Aim to get outdoors in nature.
Practise some self-care, draw yourself a bath, listen to some relaxing music and unwind after a long day of working on your screen.
Want to take it one step further? Set a time limit for certain apps.
Go to Settings > Screen Time, then turn on Screen Time if you haven't already.
Tap App Limits, then tap Add Limit.
Select one or more app categories
Tap Next, then set the amount of time allowed.
You can also schedule time away from the screen if you need.
We hope this has helped give you some valuable tips to get away from your screen. Here’s a reminder to disconnect when you can. Be kind to your body and your mind and put that screen down for a little longer.
With Love,
The Daily Digital Team x
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