Written by: Hannah Schlueter, MA, LAC
In today’s age, using a screen is a daily occurrence and might even be a requirement for certain parts of your life. While I’m sure you can acknowledge that we live in a technological world, it’s fair to say that screens have taken over, and it can be hard to separate from them. Whether it be checking your phone, playing video games, or watching your favorite TV show, it’s important to be aware of how much of your day takes place in front of a screen.
Screens Come with a Cost
It’s crucial to know that excessive screen time has a serious impact on one’s health, both physically and mentally. It influences physical aspects like sleep and appetite as well as impacting your brain’s ability to reflect and identify the emotions of yourself and others. Too much screen time may leave you feeling anxious when you don’t have a device with you, as it very quicky becomes a tool for coping with stress and other unpleasant emotions. Lastly, the excessive use of screens makes it harder to be present and engaged with friends and family.
What Else is There to Do?
Knowing the dangers of screen time is one thing, having other things to do is a totally different ballgame. Choosing to break a screen time habit is hard, but it will only get easier with time. A tip when finding an alternative to screen time is to look at what you like to do or things you are interested in. If you like animals, it may be worth it to look into volunteer opportunities at a local animal shelter. Do you enjoy building things? Well, then it’s time to bust out those Legos from when you were a kid and see what you can do. Are you into art? Pick up a pen or pencil and let your ideas flow. The key is to not over-complicate things. Finding things to do that don’t require a screen might be easier than you think.
Reap the Rewards
Creating healthy boundaries around the use of screens in day-to-day life has its own positive influence. Engaging in activities that don’t require screens has been shown to increase creativity and boost the development of your own interests. It also creates opportunities to improve your confidence and independence through learning to be without a device at all times. Lastly, it allows you to be more present when interacting with your friends and family, generating better connections and stronger relationships. So, yes, it can be quite challenging to step away from the screen, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Try some alternatives this week and see what’s it like!
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Hannah Schlueter is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) who provides therapeutic services at Evolve Counseling. Hannah specializes in working with teens and enjoys helping them navigate anxiety, depression, identity struggles, self-esteem, and relationships. Hannah has a passion for helping teens overcome their challenges and empower them to grow and improve their overall well-being.