03/10/2025 “Let Us all Try to Embrace a Digital Detox” By Kaylee McGrath

Opening Statement:

Here we are already at the last month of the first quarter of 2025. Have you thought about resetting for the rest of 2025 by embracing a digital detox to improve your mental health? I sure did a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, various screens have become an essential part of our personal and professional lives. From smartphones, computers, I-pads, touchscreen food ordering at convenience stores, ATMs, and TV’s we are constantly surrounded by digital devices at home and wherever we may go. Listed in this article are some suggested ways to cut back.

Screen Time Affects Our Mental Health

·       It’s important to understand how excessive screen time affects mental health and find ways

·       to cut back.

·       For the rest of this year and to continue in the future, consider a digital detox to improve your well-being.

What Are the Benefits of Reduced Screen Time?

Reducing screen time has numerous benefits for your mental health and overall well-being. Some

of the main advantages include:

1.       Improved sleep

2.       Enhanced focus

3.       More real-life interactions

4.       Improved mental health

Am I Spending Too Much Time Online or Watching TV?

·       Research doesn’t point to fixed times, but there are certain signs or questions that can help you

determine if you could benefit from turning off screens. To assess if your time online could be

negatively affecting your well-being, ask yourself these questions:

1.       Am I spending more time online or watching TV than I intended?

2.       Am I sacrificing important real-world activities for time online or watching TV?

3.       Do I feel anxious, restless, nervous, or irritable when stepping away from screens?

4.       Am I engaging in screen time at inappropriate times, like at work, or during time with family

or friends?

How Can I Limit Screen Time?

Regain control of your digital habits to promote balance and self-control by:

·       Limiting screen time to set hours of the day

·       Designating device-free zones

·       Establishing a daily routine

·       Use app settings on your smartphone to monitor your usage

·       Participating in screen-free activities, like reading, exercise, and face-to-face interactions

·       Separating work and personal screen time

Closing Statement:

While conducting my research what I learned was, how screen time affects our mental health and that is by prolonged screen time can lead to various mental health challenges, that include: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Let us all try to do a little better by being mindful of our screentime. Since I have, I’ve seen improvements in my sleeping, being focused, and I am less irritable and distracted. Don’t forget to prioritize the basics by exercise and spending time outdoors, because these are all proven to help improve one’s mental and physical health.

Source of Information: Various Google Searches, Personal Experiences, and Opinions

Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!