Recent research suggests that reducing screen time significantly improves your well-being. You don’t need to go cold turkey, but it’s worth changing.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pump Club reports, while too many people speculate that social media and time on your phones aren’t good for your mental health, this study has provided new insight into what’s happening. The scientists measured mood, happiness, and biological changes by collecting daily stress biomarkers (salivary cortisol).
Maybe somewhat surprisingly, those with more screen time did not show physiological differences, as their cortisol didn’t change compared to those who cut their screen time. However, those who spent less time chained to their phone/computer/tablet, et. al., felt just, better about life. Their mood was better, they were happier, and they felt less stressed.
While more research is necessary to know why, the researchers suggest a few reasons based on other studies. It could be that the need to be connected at all times increases feelings of stress, depression, or guilt. It might also be that constant self-comparison (via social media) reduces overall well-being. And another study found that those who spent more time on screens spent less time doing other healthy activities such as exercising or sleeping.
Whatever the reason, it’s worth giving less screen time a try. The group who found more joy in the study reduced their phone time to three hours per week. Now, that might seem extreme, panic inducing, even. So if you want to cut back, go easy on yourself and take baby steps.
Arnold’s Pump Club has actually brainstormed a 30-30-30 anti-screen rule: No phones 30 minutes after your wake up, 30 minutes before a meal (don’t scroll while you eat, either, as it’s a key habit for lasting fat loss), or 30 minutes before bed.
While the goal is to spend less time on your phone (such as avoiding technology 1 to 2 hours before sleep), unbreakable habits start with small changes that become routine. Once you master the 30-30-30 approach, you’ll experience a positive impact on your life, and then you can build toward bigger goals.
You’ve got nothing to lose, and a life to gain.
—
Photo Credit: Farknot Architect / Shutterstock.com