With our busy schedules, we often forget to take care of our health. However, there is one easy thing we do every day that can make us ill, and it is staring us in the face.

Yes, you guessed it right; it’s our mobile screens! It’s a common sight to see people hunched over their phones, laptops, or tablets for hours on end, but what many of us aren’t aware of is how this habit can affect our health over time.

How Does Screen Time Affect Our Health?

Most people are aware of the negative effects of screen time on our eyesight. However, the repercussions of excessive screen time go far beyond straining our eye muscles.

It’s been found that prolonged exposure to the blue light emitted by digital screens can inhibit the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles. This means that using our devices before bedtime can disrupt our sleep patterns and affect the quality of our sleep, leading to insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Additionally, studies have found that spending too much time on our devices can lead to neurological effects, including memory loss and changes in brain chemistry.

It can also cause problems with attention span and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

How Can We Reduce Our Screen Time?

Reducing our screen time can be challenging, especially in a world where most of our work and communication are done digitally. However, it’s essential to limit our use of screens and mitigate their effects on our health.

The first step is to be aware of our usage habits. We can use apps and software that track our screen time and help us reduce our usage.

Most mobile devices and laptops come with built-in screen time trackers and reminders, which we can use to keep ourselves accountable.

We can also try the following tips:.

Take regular breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule; for every 20 minutes of screen time, look away and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Reduce screen brightness: Lowering screen brightness can reduce the impact of blue light on our eyes.
Limit screen time before bedtime: Avoid using screens at least an hour before bed to help regulate our sleep cycles.
Unplug: Take a break from screens altogether. Go for a walk, read a book, or engage in activities that don’t require digital screens.

Conclusion

While it may seem impossible to decrease our screen time, making small, conscious changes in our habits can go a long way. Reducing screen time can improve our overall health and well-being, help us sleep better, and reduce stress and anxiety.

By taking control of our screen time, we can become more present, engage in more meaningful interactions, and live healthier lives.