On a global scale, people average almost seven hours of screen time per day. This figure has increased steadily by almost 50 minutes per day since 2013, indicating the extent to which ubiquitous connectivity is part and parcel of everyday life. Both the scientific world and the media continually warn human beings of the consequences of too much screen time, which they say contributes to a host of health issues, including stress. What if you could de-stress and reconnect with your inner self without having to give up your favorite devices?
Keeping Screen Time to Healthy Limits
For countless people across the world, screen time is a means of disconnection from problems, work, and anxiety. Many enjoy playing games, connecting with friends online, and forming part of vibrant communities and chats. Watching their favorite influencers during live streams, meanwhile, is a magnificent source of escape. Ultimately, stress-relieving activities vary for everybody. If screen time hits the sweet spot, simply aim for balance. Outside of work time, experts advise that adults should aim for two hours per day of screen-based leisure.
Reading Books on Your Bucket List
Most people have a list of books they have always wanted to start or get back to, but time limits and ubiquitous connectivity may mean that most bucket lists are growing longer instead of shorter every year. Activities like reading, which are non-screen based, actually require scheduling for most people since they are profoundly mindful in nature and therefore require our attention and focus. In order to keep turning pages on a book, it pays to set aside around half an hour of reading time every day. Choose your genre wisely as well, sticking to books you know to engage and excite you. If you are into thrillers, check out the list of bestselling books by Daniel Silva. If cowboy books are your thing, tackle a challenging tome like Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. If you love series set in the past (like Bridgerton), why not travel in time to the 19th century through the pages of a Jane Austin book?
Tackling Stress Actively and Regularly
If you wouldn’t dream of giving up screen time but are stressed and wish to make a big difference to your health daily, prioritize holistic pursuits like yoga, mindfulness meditation, and controlled breathing. These are tried-and-tested approaches that have been proven to lower stress in a myriad of settings—including difficult ones like substance abuse recovery and cancer treatment. One activity that only takes 10 minutes but that dramatically drops your stress hormone levels is time spent in nature. If you have a park or beach near your office or home, aim to wrest yourself away from your work and head to this spot for between 10 and 50 minutes.
Stress is high in America and many parts of the world. Tackling this problem by embracing “me time” should therefore be given greater importance. Limiting your screen time, reading books on your bucket list, and taking part in holistic activities can make a big improvement in your physical and mental health and well-being.
