In today's digital age, we all spend a significant amount of time looking at screens. While technology has made our lives easier in many ways, it has also lead to several health problems. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can cause eye strain, headaches, disrupted sleep patterns, and even increase the risk of depression and anxiety.
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It's essential to reduce our screen time and find a balance between digital and real-world activities. Let's take a look at some tips and tricks that can help.
Set a goal for screen time
The first step to reducing your screen time is to think about how much cutting back is realistic. Determine how much time you spend on screens each day, and then set a limit for yourself. Of course, you can take work into consideration, and focus on limiting your unproductive screen time.
Use apps to monitor your screen time
Many apps are available that can help track your screen time. These apps can give you a breakdown of how much time you spend on each app or website, and help you identify areas where you should reduce your screen time.
For example, the Freedom app can block certain websites during specific hours to help you prevent distractions at the times when you need to be the most focused. Flipd is another productivity app that helps you track your progress and encourages you to stay on track with positive reinforcement and proven strategic tools like the Pomodoro timer.
Take breaks
If you want to reduce eye strain, try the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This exercise can help reduce eye strain and improve your posture.
Engage in outdoor activities
Spending time outdoors is an excellent way to combat the time you spend with technology and improve your overall health. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or participate in outdoor sports to break away from screens.
Depending on where you live, certain regions are prone to vitamin D deficiency. Getting out in the sun is always beneficial, just don’t forget the SPF!
Read a book
Try reading instead of doom-scrolling! Reading is a great way to relax and unwind, and it can help reduce your screen time before bed, which can affect the way you sleep throughout the night.
Plan digital-free activities
Try and fit in activities that don’t require technology, or at least minimize the use of it, such as cooking, exercising, or playing board games. You might even notice that this helps improve your social connections!
Turn off notifications
Try turning off notifications for everything that isn’t essential on your phone. Of course, you want certain people to be able to get in touch with you in the event of an emergency, and you don’t want to fall out of the loop at work, but if it isn’t necessary for you to know about in the moment, it doesn’t need to disturb your peace.
Reducing your screen time is essential for your mental and physical health. By following the tips above, you can create a healthy balance between your digital and real-world activities, improve your overall well-being, and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
When you need extra peace of mind for the time you do spend online, don’t forget to install the Mulberry browser extension so you can earn rewards for shopping and even get a free extended warranty coverage on eligible items.