Life

7 Reasons To Reduce Screen Time By 1 Hour A Day NOW

by Ni'Kesia Pannell

As a writer and Netflix marathoner, I spend a lot of time in front of screens. Though I know it's not the best thing to do, its unfortunately become a societal norm and has a large number of side effects associated with it. From weight gain to vision damage, there are so many reasons why I'm trying to cut back on my screen time every day. Additionally, a recent visit to my chiropractor for my back pains revealed some shocking things that happen to your body when you reduce screen time by just an hour a day.

Since most people spend majority of their day in front of a computer for work, I never really thought about the negative effects it could have on my body. Once I went to my chiropractor and she explained that my poor posture, constant backaches, and pain in my eyes all come from my constant computer usage, I knew I needed to take her advice to heart and cut down on my usage of screen time.

So, if you're attached to your phone, computer, or TV screen as much as I am, here are seven positive things that can happen to your body if you cut your time down by just an hour a day.

1

Your Sleep Will Improve

According to Business Insider, looking at digital screens right before bed prevents your brain from releasing melatonin, which is the hormone that lets your body know it's time to rest. By eliminating the use of screen time an hour before your targeted bedtime, you'll be able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

2

You Can Increase Your Activity Level

Glamour noted that your activity level will increase when you reduce screen time. If you cut down your time in front of the screen, you will be able to spend more time doing active things such as walking, stretching, or running.

3

You'll Decrease Back Pain

According to Health, four in five women end up with crippling back pain from sitting in front of a computer all day. Though decreasing your time in front of a computer may not solely take away your back pain, if mixed with other things like correcting your posture, stretching, and keeping your head straight, you'll be able to achieve it.

4

You'll Extend Your Lifespan

Natural health doctor Joseph Mercola explained on his site that cutting down on your screen time can also extend your lifespan. In the article, he wrote that 22 minutes of your lifespan is cut off for every hour you spend in front of the TV, so decreasing it by an hour each day can technically help you live longer.

5

You Cut Your Chances Of Developing Depression

According to a study done by Dr. Aric Sigman in 2005, watching too much TV is an independent cause of depression because of the material you SEE. Cutting down your time in front of the TV and replacing it with something active or positive can help with eliminating depression triggers.

6

You Decrease Your Risk Of Eye Strain

Vision Source noted that cutting down on your screen time can decrease eye strain, which is caused by focusing on one thing for too long. Though it's only a temporary problem, eyestrain can be irritating and cause headaches, blurred vision, and other discomfort.

7

You Can Function Better Daily

According to Psychology Today, too much screen time can cause you to damage your frontal lobe, which is responsible for planning, organizing, prioritizing, and getting stuff done. Decreasing your screen time by an hour can help you to stay focused, make better emotional decisions, and make solid plans.