Are you finding that the time you are spending looking at your phone, computer, or tablet is rapidly increasing these days? It is understandable, considering the amount of time we have spent at home recently. However, it is not the healthiest way to spend free time. When possible, it should be limited to essential use for work and socializing with geographically distant friends or relatives. It is sometimes difficult to find better alternatives to our screens in a technological world, as they can easily distract us. Read on to discover ways to reduce your screen time and alternative activities that will help you reconnect with the real world.
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Set a screen time limit
Many smartphones offer the option to limit your screen time for specific apps and your phone use in general in its settings. Once you have reached your daily limit, a reminder will pop up, and you can opt to close the app, use it for a limited amount of extra time, or use it for important reasons—you can ignore the reminder. Screen time limits will help you track the amount of time you spend on your devices as it can be easy to become absorbed.
Turn off your phone and stow it out of the way
If you cannot help but glance at your phone every so often, it is best to switch it off and stow it in a different room in the house. That way, you can schedule an hour or so away from it, which helps if you need to concentrate on meaningful work, or if you would like to catch up on other leisure activities such as reading.
Get outside or do exercise
If the weather will allow it, fresh air is the greatest remedy to a tech-absorbed mind and body. Simply going for a brisk walk will release endorphins, which can reduce stress hormones and alleviate mild depression. If you are looking to push your body further, visit Steel Supplements to benefit your gym workout or exercise routine.
Talk to a household member or neighbor
It can be tiring to communicate via electronic devices constantly. If you require a chat or a laugh, why not speak to the people with whom you share a living space? Or, if you live alone, knock on a neighbor and see if they have some free time to socialize.
Set boundaries with yourself and the people in your life
If you have a nagging boss that emails you any time of day or night expecting your immediate response, that is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Start by setting a boundary with them that you need your downtime away from screens to relax. Likewise, if family and friends are vying for your attention non-stop, state your needs assertively and kindly. If you are the one that needs a lot of reassurance and often reaches out to people on your devices because of this, be mindful of their time and perhaps limit it to daylight hours.
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