We are always looking at a screen. We spend our free time looking at our phones and downloading the latest app, spend time working on our laptops, and then we unwind with a show or video game. This is not to bash technology; it has brought people together and allowed people to express themselves like never before. However, spending too much time on screens can have a negative impact on your mental health. Here are a few reasons why.
It Impacts Your Sleep
Have you ever found yourself unable to sleep? If so, you may have desperately found yourself on your phone trying to figure out how to get to sleep. Well, one thing you can do is to turn off your phone and do something else that doesn’t require you to stare at a bright light. The blue lights from devices can disrupt your melatonin, making it hard to fall asleep. Less sleep means poorer mental health.
Many devices have blue light filters and night modes that provide colors that are warmer, so if you have to be on a screen use those. Otherwise, try reading a book or taking a bath.
It Can Be Addictive
Our brains have become hardwired to our devices. We open up our phones and check our notifications. There is something almost mentally satisfying about it, and you can spend hours being distracted on your phone and having it impact your overall mental health. Gradually reducing unneeded screen time can help you be better mental health wise.
It Can Have An Impact on Children
Many parents back in the day were concerned about the TV raising their family but that is nothing compared to a child being raised on a tablet or a smartphone. While these devices can be learning experiences and teach children how to use devices, they can have a negative impact on a child’s health in different ways. Make sure you’re giving your kids a moderate amount of screen time and give them other options too. Here, you can also learn about some other activities that are away from the screen.
What Can Be Done?
Obviously, going out in the woods and living your life without technology is a solution for very little people. The goal is lessen your use of technology. Here are a few ways you can do so.
Find Other Hobbies
Finding a new hobby you like that is mentally stimulating can distract you from the screen, allowing you to spend less time on it. These hobbies can include building, nature walking, or just enjoying some alone time in a bath.
Setting Up a Schedule
Set up a schedule that allows for an hour or so of phone use. Many phones do have devices that track your usage, or apps that do the same. There are many ways to find them, and you can be able to use them to moderate your usage.
Spend Time Outside
Go outside and talk to people. Spend less time indoors and in front of screens. It is as simple as that!
Seek Help!
Finally, if you find yourself too addicted to technology, there is no shame in speaking to a counselor about your addiction. You can be able to get the help you need to reduce your screen time and instead spend time being productive.
Ironically, screens may be able to help you do this. Counseling sites such as Regain use tablets, phones, and computers to allow you to speak to a counselor and get the help you need. Try them today and see if they are good for you. You may be able to grow thanks to them.
Ernestina Saenz Salcido is a reporter for News Lair. She mostly writes on her free time about gadgets and tech news. When she’s not working she takes care of her 2 daughters.
