There’s no denying that screens have become an integral part of life, whether it’s working from a laptop, scrolling on phones, or relaxing in front of the TV. A recent Nielsen audience report revealed the average person spends 10 hours a day looking at screens… almost two thirds of the time we’re awake!
Since technology is deeply rooted in our daily habits, it’s important to find time away from screens. Being intentional about your screen-free time will help you reconnect with physical experiences for a more mindful, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Practice Mind-Body Connection
Technology allows us to experience things without even having to be present. For instance, if you’re watching a comedy where there is a group of friends talking, you’re experiencing social engagement without actually being there. This is a vicarious experience that only occurs in the mind. If you were really out with a group of friends, the richness of the experience becomes much more fulfilling because your body and mind work best together.
Enjoy The Little Things In Life
It may sound cliche, but enjoying the small things in life is a great way to find inner peace. The smells, sounds, tastes, textures, and gestures enriches every experience. Standing, laughing, looking people in the eye, and really living in that moment are incredibly valuable. In the real world, your senses are given a necessary feast of stimuli that can’t be found through technology.
Manage Screen Time
Most electronic screens have significantly high levels of blue light. Blue light is high energy with a short wavelength, which means it scatters more easily than other colours of the spectrum. Why should you care? Overexposure to blue light makes it difficult for our eyes to focus and can leave the retina vulnerable to damage.
Tip: If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, you can order blue light filtering glasses and download blue light reduction apps that make your screen appear more yellow.
Get A Good Night’s Rest
Blue light also increases alertness by suppressing the body’s production of the sleep hormone, melatonin. This is great early in the day, but that’s not the case when you’re trying to fall asleep. To fall asleep quicker, try swapping your dose of late night Netflix with a book, drawing, or another peaceful activity you enjoy.
Technology has its place in our lives, but like anything, it’s about finding a balance that works for you. If you feel like something is missing in your life, try swapping screen time for more real life experiences.
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