How Can You Limit Your Screen Time?
By Sara Butler
Too much screen time isn't good for anybody. You've probably heard it talked about when it comes to kids but it can be just as bad for adults. That's why you should take some simple steps to reduce your screen time each day. Here are some simple ways to do just that.
Focus on the Stuff that Matters
How much of the time you spend on a screen each day actually adds value to your life? In reality, being sedentary in front of a screen for hours isn't good for you but neither is spending any amount of time doing things that don't add anything to your life. Make healthier choices about how you choose to use your screen time and you may find that you're a lot happier.
Turn Off Notifications
One thing that keeps drawing people back to their phones time and again is the ding of the notification. Turn those off and you won't be tempted to pick up your phone or tablet every time you hear it. This is one very simple way to reduce how much time you spend on the screen each day.
Don't Take It to Bed
Your screens shouldn't go with you to the bedroom. Using screens when it's time for bed can make it difficult for your brain to turn off, interrupting your body's natural sleep cycle and causing you to get poor sleep at night -- and that can have big ramifications on many other areas of your life. The fix to this issue is simple: Don't take your phone or television to your bedroom. Do something else relaxing in the hour before sleep such as meditation, yoga, or reading a real book to help you unwind.
Don't Have Screens at Meals
Your meals should never be eaten in front of a screen. That can make it very difficult to focus on eating, which can lead to eating too much. And eating too much at meals can lead to larger problems with your health. Don't bring devices to the dinner table and make sure to separate mealtime for the whole family from leisure time or electronic socializing time.
Go on a Digital Diet
Put your screens away for a whole weekend. This is a great way to test whether or not your screen time is healthy or not. If you find that you have difficulty staying away for 48 hours, then you know that you've got some things to work on when it comes to your use of technology.
Think about how much time you spend on screens and decide if you need to cut back and how to make that happen.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.