We all know that too much screen time isn’t good for children, but it can also have a damaging effect on adults.
A study has found that an adult that spends too much time on screens have a greater risk of developing these issues:
- Opportunity to connect with family and friends
- Depression
- Insomnia/Poor sleep
- Eyestrain/Vision problems
- Headaches
- Addictive behaviour towards using screens
- Pain in the neck, shoulders and back
- Change in cognition/Lack of empathy
- Inactivity
Experts suggest that you should limit your screen time outside of work or study to 2 hours or less per day, and within that, limit your social media use to 30 minutes a day (the type and quality of screen time can also play a role). With these limits, you can spend the remaining time you would usually be used on screens to participate in physical activity. These changes can lead to significant improvements in wellbeing including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Focus on appreciation and gratitude
- More time for other activities
- Connecting with nature
- Ability to appreciate the present
Here are a few tips on how to reduce your use of screens.
- Turn off notifications
- Set a timer
- Leave the devices out of the bedroom
- Be aware of how much time you spend sitting
- Don’t eat in front of a screen
- Establish tech-free zones
- Pick up a new hobby
Just to name a few.