We are big fans of all things digital here – obviously. But even we know it’s important to break away from the hold that our devices can hold over us. In fact, we Americans spend more time in front of a screen than we do sleeping! We average ten and a half hours every day in front of computer and television screens.
Some of that screen time is necessary. We have to work and connect with family and friends.
But we don’t need to spend so much time – even reducing screen time by one hour can help. There are substantial health benefits of disconnecting from technology, and you can learn about five of them right here.
1. You’ll Sleep Better
Screens produce blue light, which is similar to sunlight at noontime. This tricks our brains into believing that it IS noon! In turn, it doesn’t produce melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep, so we stay up for longer periods.
Unplug from technology at least one hour before going to bed. You can use a lamp or another light, as long as it’s not blue. Read, go out for a walk, or talk with friends.
2. You’ll See Better
The same blue light that keeps us up at night also strains our eyes. It induces the eyes to not blink. The eyes start to dry out, which makes vision blurrier and less precise.
When you need to do work on a computer, take a break every 20 minutes. Look at something non-electronic 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds.
You should otherwise limit your screen time to two hours. Do paperwork and perform other tasks away from the screen.
3. Your Back Will Feel Better
A 2010 study of more than 31,000 people found that every hour spent on computers increases the odds of backache by 9 percent. When sitting at a computer desk, we slouch over. This forces our spines to support the weight of our heads, which stresses the spine.
Getting up and moving around takes the pressure off the back. You can stretch, increasing blood flow to the spine and muscles.
4. You Will Experience Deeper Social Connections
A 2014 study examined students at an outdoor education camp. They didn’t use screens for five days, and the scientists tested them on their nonverbal emotional skills. They were able to read nonverbal cues better than they had before.
Spend time talking to people, even complete strangers. You will notice facial expressions and body language that you’ve never noticed before. You can learn how to modulate your voice, sounding more confident and intelligent.
When you return to social media, you can use your newly-acquired skills. You can get new followers and develop your brand further.
5. Your Memory Will Improve
The brain makes connections amongst neurons every second. But the Internet bombards the brain with information. The neurons cannot connect in time, and our memory suffers from it.
Reading and writing occur at a slow enough pace that the brain can develop memories. When you need to take notes, handwrite them.
Go out for a walk and give your brain a break. Feel the ground beneath your feet and look up at the sky. You will gain a richer memory of your environment when you give yourself time to take it all in.
The Benefits of Less Screen Time
There are better things we can do with our day than staring at a screen. Reducing our screen time has many benefits.
Unplug from the screen an hour before going to bed. Look away every 20 minutes to rest your eyes. Get up and stretch to reduce strain on your back.
Unplug for several days to improve your social skills. To facilitate your memory, read and write. Go for a walk to let your brain relax.
When you *are* using your screen, get expert advice. Pixaura is Cincinnati’s leading digital marketing agency. Contact us today.