“Staring at a screen will rot your brain”. It’s certainly something we’ve all heard some version or
another of since the age of the internet and social media took root. This anti social media movement grows in popularity every day, especially as platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok become more and more integral to our daily lives. But just because we’ve all heard something like this, doesn’t make it true.

Although we have seen an increase in mental health issues, with 10-20% of young people being affected, we can’t say for sure that the link is just from screen time. In reality, it isn’t so much the amount of media consumed as it is the content.

The issue with excessive screen time is complex. We gain so many benefits from our interconnected world, but those do come with some costs. Our bodies suffer from eye strain, and neck & back issues. Our minds feel overwhelmed from the constant comparisons to peers and strangers alike.

It can be very difficult in our modern society to manage your screen time. We are so interconnected with our devices that we seldom realize we’ve picked up our phones and are doom scrolling for the umpteenth time that day. Read on for a selection of tips on how to manage your intake and reduce the long-term impact to your mind and body.

Adjust Notification Settings
Try adjusting your notification settings to reduce the amount of times your devices buzz. With this simple change you’ll find yourself less distracted by your screens and able to focus more on the things that matter (or even just on activities that aren’t screen related). By changing your notifications to be less frequent, or turning them off all together, you will be less tempted to pick up your device. And, don’t forget, you can always put your phone on silent or on do not disturb mode.

Set Time Limits
Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with looking at our devices. The issue lies with the sheer amount that we partake in daily. Studies have shown that the average person spends five hours per day just on their mobile phones. That doesn’t include the many other types of screens we are surrounded by in our homes and workplaces.

The key is to set limits for yourself. This could be done using timers you set yourself, or by downloading apps that will send warnings and ‘haze out’ your socials when you’ve reached the predetermined limits.

Create Screen-Free Zones
Another method to help you manage your screen time is to have places in your home where screens are not permitted – typically, this is often the bedroom. Studies show 57% of people using technology in bed suffer from sleep issues.

So, if you can manage it, keep televisions, gaming consoles, and mobile devices away from your bedroom. This should be the place where you go to wind down and feel relaxed. A place where the pressures and stresses of the day cannot follow. By eliminating screens from the bedroom you are letting your body and brain know that it is time for rest, which will in turn make sleep easier.

Remembering that screen time isn’t all bad can help you manage your consumption better. Don’t be hard on yourself just because you picked up your phone and ended up watching Tiktok for 20 minutes, even though you were supposed to be folding laundry. It’s ok to use your device, just set yourself reasonable limits, reduce your notifications, and remove excess screens from your home.