Gleaming
screens dominate the contemporary context; we have had them at our desks for
years, and more recently in our pockets, wrists, and palms. While making our
life easier by providing us with different gadgets, it is now becoming a cause
for worry how our health both physical and psychological could be affected by
being involved on different screens. Decreasing the amount of screen time has
significant effects on health; therefore, it is essential to analyze those
effects in order to make changes to one’s lifestyle when necessary.
How screen time is affecting the body
Sitting
in front of the computers limits us and also affects our bodies in the worst
way possible. It interferes with physical health by increasing the incidences
of eye strain, wrong posture and lack of exercise due to spending a lot of time
on the various screens. Of these, screen time and their relation to eye health
are most problematic because of digital eye strain that involves dry or
irritated eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.
Furthermore,
the cause of many vices such as excessive sitting time due to a lot of screen
time contributes to the rise of weight gain, disadvantaged cardiovascular
diseases, and diabetes. The other physical symptoms are also as a result of
prolonged usage of the devices causing aches on muscles like the neck,
shoulders and the back, caused by poor posture.
The Effect on Mental Health
The
impact of screen time on the mental part is as profound as on the physical side
of the organism. The more time one spends on using the screen most especially
in social media platforms, the more he or she is likely to develop anxiety
disorders, depressions, and loneliness. This can cause information overload and
erode the mind’s stability, constantly having to keep up with the online
profiles we have created.
Closely
related to mental health, one must know when it is too much screen time.
Research has also indicated that most screen related maladies arise from
extended usage of the screens, especially before going to bed because this is
likely to result in sleep disorders and making existing mental illnesses worse.
Time spent on gadgets and time spent sleeping also have correlation because
blue light emitted from the screens hinders the synthesis of melatonin a
hormone that is responsible for sleep.
The
Harmful Effects that Screen Time has on kids
Kids are the most affected by the impacts of sitting
in front of the screens for a considerable amount of time. The effect that the
screen time has on children results to poor behavior, ability to concentrate,
and even development. Children have to have appropriate restrictions concerning
the time they spend using technology, and this is important since they should
have a good sense of time and social etiquette.
Daily time
use recommendations suggest that children between the ages of 2 and 5 should
not spend more than an hour in front of a screen while the rest of the children
and adolescents should do some form of play that involves the screen balanced
with some reading, playing or spending time with the family.
Reducing Screen Time: References
Hence,
screens are an important norm where cutting down the screen is of essence to
humankind. Some of the healthy habits that one should adopt concerning screen
time is that there should be a certain amount of time that should be spent with
the screen then after, they should be turned off or one can indulge in other
activities like exercises. It is useful at times to take a break from screens
because they might be overwhelming, giving the mind and body a breather.
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Here are some practical tips to help you reduce
screen time:
• Set Boundaries: Set screen-free hours like, eating
time or before the bedtime the child should not be allowed to watch or use any
screen.
• Engage in Physical Activities: Limit the time spent on screens
and use that time to partake in physical fitness related activities or
interests.
• Use Technology Wisely: There is a number of applications
designed specifically to assist you to avoid too much screen time.
• Create a Screen-Free Zone: Make your home spaces such as
the bedroom or the dining area as no screen allowed zones to ensure that
members of a family meet eye to eye.
The Advantages of the Balanced Diet
Thus,
moderating the consumption of digital products can lead to the enhancement of
overall physical and mental health conditions. This means that technology and
mental health are not enemies; when used properly, the technology is useful and
helpful. However, we have to realize that we spend a lot of times with our devices
and should make better choices regarding our well-being.
Therefore,
identifying or recognizing causes and effects of the screen time toward health
makes it possible to take decisions on the daily practices. Technology has
provided many conveniences in our lives, and it is possible to have carefully
adhere to the recommendations concerning the time that we spend in front of the
screens, we can actually indulge in these conveniences by adopting healthy
lifestyles that will protect our bodies and surely our minds from many vices
that are associated with sedentary lifestyles.
