5 Effective Strategies to Minimize the Impact of Prolonged Screen Exposure
Electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives in today’s fast-paced culture. Excessive exposure to screen time can be detrimental to general well-being. Some of these effects include adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Conditions such as sleep disturbance, muscle pains and sprains, mental health concerns, and even impaired brain development in children are some of the short-term effects of excessive screen exposure.
To minimize the damage caused by this exposure, here, are tips to safeguard the eyes from the harms of excessive screen usage;
- Create a Digital-Free Bedtime Routine : Prioritizing less screen time before bed and avoiding screens at least one hour before bed can improve sleep quality and leave you feeling more rested when you wake up. The blue light emissions from excessive screen use might interfere with regular sleep cycles and make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Alternatives that are beneficial include soothing activities like reading a book or meditating to unwind before bed.
- Socialize In-Person: TheCOVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on social connections, changing how people interact and communicate with one another. Virtual communication helped people stay in touch during lockdowns and has encouraged the use of electronic devices even post the pandemic. However, face-to-face interactions are very important for emotional well-being. Long-term use of screens has been linked in studies to higher levels of stress and anxiety. Reducing screen time makes it possible to spend more time relaxing, making new friends, and rejuvenating the mind, all of which contribute to overall mental wellness.
- Engage in Physical Exercises: Engaging in physical activities like exercise, sports or other outdoor pursuits can decrease screen time. This contributes to better management of physical health in terms of weight control and overall vitality.
- Take Breaks: Taking breaks in between and allocating less time to screens helps to reduce eye strains and digital eye fatigue. It also allows individuals to focus more on face-to-face interactions with their loved ones, fostering deeper connections and nurturing meaningful bonds. To do this, adhere to the 20-20-20 guideline: every 20minutes, pause for a 20-second break, and focus on an object positioned 20 feet away.
- Wearing blue light-blocking glasses : If your work involves extended periods in front of a screen, consider wearing blue light-blocking glasses. This helps with reducing eye strains.
Studies have demonstrated that reducing screen time can enhance productivity by reducing distractions and improving task concentration. Striking a healthy balance between utilizing electronic devices for work, education, and entertainment, and allocating time for other activities that nurture our physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial. Taking charge of our screen usage in this technology-driven era can profoundly improve our overall health and well-being.
