INTRODUCTION TO INCREASED TIME FOR SELF-CARE
In the increasingly digital landscape of modern life, making increased time for self-care can often feel like a luxury we can’t afford. However, the key to unlocking this appreciated time might be simpler than we imagine – reducing screen time. By on purpose limiting the hours we spend held on screens, we can open up more time for essential self-care routines, leading to a significant boost in our overall health and wellbeing.
THE IMPACT OF SCREEN TIME
In today’s digital age, screen time often consumes most of our waking hours. This screen time stresses our eyes and brains and eats into the time we could use for self-care. Extreme hours spent scrolling through social media, gaming, or binge-watching television series can instead be used for self-improving activities that promote mental health and wellbeing.
UNDERSTANDING INCREASED TIME FOR SELF-CARE
Self-care isn’t just about spa days or expensive vacations; it’s an all-inclusive concept that includes any activity we knowingly undertake to maintain or improve our health and wellbeing. This activity covers physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing phases. It can involve a balanced diet, regular physical activity, mindfulness and relaxation practices, or even the simple act of enjoying quiet, undisturbed moments.
HOW REDUCED SCREEN TIME FACILITATES SELF-CARE
By reducing our screen time, we, by mistake, find ourselves with extra hours in our daily schedules. This new time can focus on self-care routines, whether cooking a nutritious meal, practising yoga, reading a book, or treating yourself to a soothing bath. These activities raise physical health and provide mental relaxation, contributing meaningfully to our overall health and wellbeing.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SCREEN TIME
Multiple studies have established that too much screen time can add to increased levels of stress, sleep disorders, and a variety of other health and wellbeing worries. On the other hand, self-care activities have been shown to lower stress levels and contribute to overall health and wellbeing. Thus, replacing screen time with self-care can greatly positively affect our health and wellbeing.
DIGITAL DETOX- MORE TIME FOR SELF-CARE
Starting a digital detox—knowingly disconnecting from digital devices—can cover the way for improved self-care. Unbound from the constant attack of notifications, updates, and digital disturbances, we can engage ourselves in self-care activities leading to more effective.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR BALANCING SCREEN TIME AND SELF-CARE
Outstanding a balance between screen time and self-care requires awareness and planned action. It’s essential to set clear boundaries for screen use, schedule regular digital breaks, and prioritise self-care activities in daily routines. Identify that self-care isn’t a luxury but an essential need for physical, emotional, and mental health and wellbeing.
THE ROLE OF INCREASED TIME FOR SELF-CARE IN HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself and, accordingly, with others. It positively affects our physical health and wellbeing, boosts our mood, reduces anxiety, and improves the quality of our social relationships. Prioritising self-care thus leads to enhanced life quality and overall health and wellbeing.
ENCOURAGING HEALTHY SCREEN HABITS
Promoting healthy screen habits can help achieve a balance between necessary digital usage and necessary self-care. Integrate digital health and wellbeing strategies into your routine, such as labelling device-free zones at home and practising mindful use of technology.
CONCLUSION OF INCREASED TIME FOR SELF-CARE
Reducing screen time offers an open and effective strategy to free up more time for self-care in our fast-paced lives. By purposely disconnecting from our screens at times, we can reconnect with ourselves, offering time to personal care routines that develop our overall physical health and wellbeing.