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Simple tricks to limit screen time
Got work or assignments to finish but you are tempted to scroll on your phone instead? In our fast-paced digital world, a screen has gone from once being a strange tool to now becoming a daily necessity. With devices becoming essential for school and work, it seems impossible to cut down on that nasty screen time.
With how addictive social media is, the thought of putting your device down seems like a nightmare. Why get any work done when you can scroll and watch eye-catching reels instead?
Excessive screen time has been linked to health problems, such as obesity and high blood pressure, and can also affect your mental well-being. But do not stress just yet! With these simple tips and tricks, you can cut down on your screen time and balance out your life perfectly.
Turn off your notifications
Although this may seem like a strange choice to make, especially if you need notifications for work purposes, this method is a great way to filter out those distracting texts and notifications from apps that are not a priority. Distracting notifications on your phone are designed to steal your attention in the quickest way possible.
By switching off notifications for social media apps, or leaving your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’, you can carry on with your tasks without fighting the urge to scroll away on your phone for hours. You will be shocked to see how your screen time is reduced in half with something so simple.
For iOS users, the ‘Focus’ option is a great way to filter out certain notifications, either for work, personal time, etc. Android devices also have a focus option, allowing you to put a pause on distracting apps.
Set a limit
Another commonly used option to reduce screen time is to set a screen time limit. These can be done manually on your settings app on your device, or separately on many apps for which you want to cut down your usage.
Setting limits is a very effective way to spend less time on distracting apps and also gives you more time to spend on more productive activities.
Screen time limits are also a great way to get ready before bedtime. Having a set limit of time to spend on your device, makes it easier for you to set a routine as well as reduce your exposure to blue light, helping you fall asleep better.
Get a hobby!
Seriously, get a hobby. Sometimes, it is as simple as that! With all the options available, there is a hobby out there for you to pick up and fall in love with. Hobbies are a great way to not only cut down screen time but to also have fun and be productive.
Instead of watching someone paint a portrait on reels, why not try it out yourself? Or perhaps you can become a writer and put out your best poetry like those accounts you see popping up on Facebook.
You can even use your screen time to search and follow up on fun and interesting hobbies and connect with people. Once you get immersed in a leisurely pursuit, you will notice just how easy it is to get off your phone; that long screen time will be something of the past!
Delete social media
Unless social media is a necessary tool for work purposes, the most helpful option for reducing screen time is to delete social media apps. This drastic change can initially be overwhelming, but many people have reported that this decision led to a massive change in their routine positively, and of course, reduced their screen time drastically.
Social media is fun, but it can also be highly distracting and is one of the main culprits as to why our screen time is so long. Deleting apps like Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook can help you improve your focus, free up time, and improve your mental health immensely.
If deleting apps completely seems too daunting, you can set time limits on these apps or log out for some time and take a social media break. Disconnecting from the online world may seem scary, but you will notice the benefits immediately, with reduced anxiety instead of increased screen time.
Make your phone boring
Making your phone “boring” might sound ridiculous, given just how easily addictive they are, but there are ways to make your phone a total yawn.
A unique way to do this is to turn on the greyscale option on your phone. This will change the colours on your phone to black and white only, making your phone extremely dull-looking. This trains your brain to check your phone less, as the main way in which devices grab your attention is by the bright and vivid colours on the screen.
Another way to make your phone boring is to delete or avoid downloading “fun” apps. These can be games, or distracting apps that cause you to spend hours on your phone. Removing colourful widgets and switching your phone wallpaper to an unattractive one can also help in making your phone a bore.
By Adiba Islam
Photo: LS Archive/ Sazzad Ibne Sayed