How much screen time is too much ?

Digital engagement has become the need of the hour for everyone during the pandemic which means more screen time and blurred and unbalanced work and family lives. Notifications on our digital devices interrupt us at every point and the constant need to check our devices is getting higher with work from home situations. Since socializing personally is out of our lists, people are constantly stuck to electronic gadgets to omit the boredom of staying home every day which is ultimately resulting in more screen time. Spending more time than necessary isn’t anything new for people who are addicted to screens and now combined with Lockdown some people tend to spend all day with their electronic devices. Here’s a quick guide to screen time :

· Avoiding screens except for video chatting for babies under 18 months

· Co – viewing digital media for 18-24 months

· Limiting screen time to one hour for ages 2-5

· Setting reasonable screen time limits for ages above 18

Why should we control our screen time consciously ? We all know for an fact that Technology is one of the greatest inventions of mankind. However, there are two sides to everything. While technology has a major positive impact in our lives, we as users have to use it appropriately and wisely. During lockdown the digital world is so highlighted and thus resulting in high screen on time among individuals which is not good for the health of the individual and also disturbs the work - life balance.

Research shows that too much screen time results in headaches, migraines, eyestrain, obesity and sleep deprivation. It is also known to cause behavioral problems in children and that’s the reason why reducing screen time reducing is a necessity.

Maintaining a healthy work life balance is crucial especially now when we are so dependent on digital world for work and communication. We need to develop strict strategies that separate work and life and also reduce the unnecessary urge to constantly pick our electronic devices and use them without any particular reason there by reducing screen time. Here are 7 strategies that will help you reduce your screen time

1. Build a schedule: Scheduling helps you keep track of how much time you spend on your electronic devices. Since we spend more time on our screens right now we must set limits, this way you will have more control over your screen time. Allot specific time for every digitally dependent task and control the use exceeding 2. Let the boredom in! Since boredom is one of the primary reasons why we pick our electronic devices time and time again we advise you to experience the boredom off-screen. This way the boredom will motivate you to achieve tasks that you’ve been putting off at home. This time away from the screen can also help you think about what you want to accomplish and how. 3. Don’t carry the phone around: Carrying the phone around everywhere will constantly encourage you to check every unwanted notification. Put your phone down when not necessary like going to washroom or studying or even helping people around the house etc. Pick up your phone when it’s absolutely necessary and only when you need an important work done. 4. Limit use of the apps you check constantly : Often times we tend to open social media or other apps we constantly engage on by force of habit without even thinking about it so to avoid this additional screen time, take those apps off the Home Screen this way you won’t reach out to them immediately instead you’ll be mindful about it. 5. Create tech-free zones: Establish technology free areas and times in your home so you can spend quality time with your family. 6. Pick-up a new hobby: Allot your time to a new hobby like reading a book, physical activities or even crafts etc. that are absolutely tech free. This will help you awake your creativity and uplift your skills. 7. Take a day off: Give yourself a day in the week and rest your electronic gadgets. Engage in lively activities may be cook a meal for your family or some gardening that will help you de-stress from all the week work load and optimizes your mental health. Your eyes will absolutely thank you :-) - Satvika Christine