The Health Benefits of Slightly Reducing Your Screen Time

For some people, reducing their screen time may not seem highly applicable. A lot of people work in front of a computer and still need their smartphone to carry out personal tasks.

However, in most cases, there are at least a couple of things that can still be cut down on, even in those circumstances.

Over the past few years, this is something that I have been personally focusing on.

Although there is nothing wrong with using social media or enjoying online time in general, I’ve found that I tend to feel best when I maintain a good balance with it.

Here are some of the personal benefits I’ve experienced firsthand when I keep slightly lower screen time.

You Feel More Mentally Clear

Social media has some great, uplifting content, and overall it can be an awesome tool. But there can also be content that isn’t very useful or relevant.

When you spend a lot of time on social media, it can feel like you absorb some of these things and carry them around with you if you’re not careful.

Some people also criticize designers of apps like Instagram for making platforms overly addictive. They compare them to “slot machines” that generate new content based on user interests, with the intention of keeping people coming back for more.

Regular Life Can Feel More Enjoyable

A few months ago, I was watching a Twitch stream where the streamer played a YouTube video, only for the chat to request that he play it in “2x speed.” “If you can’t sit and watch this, then you guys are cooked,” he responded.

If people have a hard time sitting through an interesting but not overly stimulating YouTube video, it makes me wonder how those same people would approach everyday tasks like cleaning, or washing their car.

I’ve personally found that when I’m not spending as much time online, I can find more enjoyment in those types of activities, like taking a walk in the neighborhood, reading a library book, or going for a workout at the local gym.

It Makes Online Time More Enjoyable

Online time, like playing video games with friends or posting content on social media, can be a lot of fun.

Even sitting and watching a cool YouTube video can be very relaxing.

But it seems like these things are best enjoyed in moderation.

Back when I worked for Intuit, this was something I experienced firsthand.

At that time, I would work all day from a home office, taking video calls, sending emails, and completing training modules. By the end of the workday, I didn’t really feel like doing the things I would normally enjoy, like playing a video game or watching YouTube. Instead, I felt like going outside for a bike ride or heading to the gym.

I’m sure everyone is different in that regard, but I personally enjoy having a good balance.

Final Thoughts

Technology can be a great tool and has a lot of upsides. I’ve just found that I’m best able to take advantage of those upsides when I approach it with moderation.

Like I said, this is something I’ve focused on heavily over the past few years. I’ve been making a point to be more deliberate with my online time rather than scrolling aimlessly.

The benefits have been feeling more mentally clear and taking a more genuine interest in everyday life.

As I continue building and establishing myself, this is a groove I hope to stay in.

Thank You For Reading

As always, I want to give a big thank you for taking the time to read. I hope that you have enjoyed, and I look forward to seeing you for the next article!