How To Reduce Screen Time - 7 Different Ways to Reduce Screen Time

Technology these days provides us with access to everything— from education and work to entertainment and pleasure. Everyone around us is addicted to their phones and tablets, from toddlers to adults, which has resulted in increased screen time. Many of us work long hours in front of computers, and the majority of our free time is spent watching television, scrolling through social media or playing games. This has increased a lot more since the pandemic when all the interactions were taking place virtually. It can be challenging to avoid letting technology overtake your entire day, you might not be aware of how much time you spend on it as you go about your days. That is why it has become important to monitor and learn how to reduce screen time.

While screens and technology keep us connected, spending too much time in front of them can be bad for your health. Excessive screen time has a harmful influence on sleep and mental health. This article will provide you with effective ways to reduce screen time.

Let us now look at 7 different ways to how to reduce screen time.

How To Reduce Screen Time: Screen Time vs Active Time

One easy and effective way to reduce screen time is by starting to keep track of the amount of time you spend in front of screens, including TV, video games, and work computers. Then, consider how much active time you get, which may involve going on walks, conversing with others, performing household chores, or working out. In this manner, you'll get a sense of what adjustments are required to minimise the screen time.

How To Reduce Screen Time: 20-20-20 Rule

As the name suggests, for every 20 minutes that you spend watching a screen, the rule requires you to look at something that is 20 feet away for a period of 20 seconds. This will help ease up your eye strain and the constant headaches that come with it. People may find the 20-20-20 rule as an effective way to reduce screen time and restore a sense of balance in their lives.

Read on to find out how to reduce screen time.

How To Reduce Screen Time: Screen-Free Zones

Set boundaries for when and where technology is permitted in your household as a way to minimize screen time. You can declare dinner tables and living rooms as screen free zones and spend meaningful time with your loved ones while you're not using any devices. This will not only help you learn how to lessen screen time but also help you reconnect with your family and boost your mental well being.

How To Reduce Screen Time: Set Limits

You can set screen time limits for yourself and family members. This can be as small as restricting the use of technology one hour before and after bedtime or as big as fixing a set number of hours one is allowed watching the screen. This is an effective way to reduce screen time for you and your family.

How To Reduce Screen Time: Other Hobbies

Picking up new hobbies and interests is one of the oldest and effective ways to minimize screen time. This approach has been advocated in schools, colleges and even at work places. Find interests that don't require you to look at your screen. It can be anything—reading a book, painting and drawing, learning a new skill or something as basic as going on a long walk.

Also Read | How to Improve The Mental Health of Students

Keep on reading to know more about how to reduce screen time.

How To Reduce Screen Time: No Reward Or Punishment

More often than not, we train to reward ourselves by watching that one extra episode or watching a new movie after we have completed a daily goal we set for ourselves. Similarly, we use it as a way to punish ourselves by taking away the screen time. However, what we fail to realise is that we are reinforcing in ourselves the importance of watching TV. This is one of the counterproductive ways to minimize screen time and therefore, it is important to stop using screen time on a reward and punishment basis.

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How To Reduce Screen Time: Digital Detoxing

As the name suggests, digital detoxing involves you taking a complete break from any type of screen time—phones, laptops, tablets etc. It may be a difficult task considering our daily dependence on technology but it is achievable on a weekend basis. Every other weekend, you and your family can tuck away your devices and have a digital detox weekend. You can plan activities and games to keep yourself engaged. Not only will this act as an effective way to reduce screen time but also allow you to balance your screen vs active time.

Create and maintain a daily routine that includes enjoyable activities you may look forward to. Striking a healthy balance is essential, and it should include time for hobbies, outdoor activities, and enough sleep. Learning how to reduce your screen time has become a crucial factor in maintaining good mental and physical well being.