Should you limit your own screen time?


A lot of people spend a lot of time in front of screens nowadays. Either they’re watching TV, using their computers or on their phones. There’s a lot of interesting and entertaining stuff to be found in these kinds of media, and most people don’t know how to stay away. These devices have become the closest personal item and what many devote their time to. While they have a lot of benefits, when used too much, they can have some negative impact. If you are forced to stare at computer screens all day at work, it means to take a break, you need to give up the TV or using your phone too much when you get back home.

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Reasons why you should definitely reduce your daily screen time if you’re spending too much time in front of these devices include

Spending all your free time using your phone, computer or watching TV may affect your personal relationships. If you have friends who you would like to spend quality time with, it would be impossible to achieve this when all your attention is on your phone.

The internet can be addictive. You may find yourself neglecting your daily chores so you can check your Facebook and Twitter feeds, or because you keep scrolling to the next video on YouTube. When you fail to limit the time you use on any of these platforms, you’ll barely notice time going by.

Spending too much time before the screen can be an actual health hazard. You’ll probably spend most of the day on your couch watching TV or scrolling down your phone, getting no physical exercise whatsoever. Binge eating snacks while watching is also a common activity that will lead to unhealthy weight gain. Having your eyes glued on screens all day will also cause eye-strain and headaches. Your sleep cycle may also suffer, and this will lead to negative impacts on most systems in your body.

That said, ways through which you can reduce your screen time include

Avoid charging your phone in your bedroom. You’ll be tempted to keep using it past your bedtime.

Many people take to their phones and TV when they have nothing else enjoyable to do. Find another hobby that you can fill your time with so that you do not spend all your time watching.

Schedule how long to spend on the internet and adhere to your set rules. You can decide to use it either in the morning or afternoon, and never during work. This ensures that it does not affect your productivity, and you do not spend excess time on your electronic devices. This will come in handy if you need to spend lots of time using computers at work.

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By reducing your screen time, you’ll enjoy benefits such as

Better sleep. The blue light emitted by electronic devices has been found to impact sleep hormones negatively, making you unable to sleep.

Increased productivity. When you’re not distracted by social media, it’s easy to put more focus on your work. Taking breaks from your work computer will help you refresh your mind and focus better.

Fewer headaches and reduced eyestrain. Frequent breaks from the screen and a short venture outdoors will reduce your chances of developing a migraine.

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