How to Successfully Cut Back on Screen Time
By Genevieve Cunningham
Screens are great. We all love browsing the internet, wasting time, and envying pictures on social media. Sounds familiar, right? Technology and screens of all kinds make life easier. They make work easier. They make play easier. They give us access to seemingly endless information. But most of us are well aware that too much screen time is bad for our health. Of course, the hard part is cutting back. We're all so addicted and dependent on screens, cutting back sounds is akin to torture. If you're looking for ways to cut back on your screen time, take a look at these ways to ease you into a healthier way of using screens.
Find a Replacement Habit
Much of our screen time is simply a matter of habit. When we're bored, we reach for a screen because we don't have anything else to do. In order to break this habit, we simply have to find something else to do with our time. Maybe you could read a book or write in a journal. Maybe you could pick up a hobby such as knitting or pottery or something exercise related. Finding a replacement for the habit takes away the urge, which then makes cutting back just a little bit easier.
Schedule Your Time
If you really have a hard time controlling your impulses, consider scheduling screen time into your day. At work, you may have to use a screen often. But at home, don't get on the screen unless it's specifically in your schedule. This works well for those who are more prone to follow schedules and meet time demands. If you need this kind of structure in your life, use it to your advantage to get on top of your screen time.
Cut Back in Small Increments
If you spend a lot of time on a screen of some kind, it may be best to cut back slowly. Try to cut back for just 30 minutes per day. Once you get comfortable with this new normal, cut back a little more. This gives you the chance to find new interests or hobbies, but only a little bit at a time. It's less intimidating. If you're not one to go cold turkey on old habits and new options, give this method a try.
Screens aren't all bad. Sometimes, they're really good! They give us more opportunity and information than ever before. But don't let them rule your life. Use these tips to manage your screen addiction, and you'll be headed toward healthier habits in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carrollton, Tex.