5 Ways to Reduce Your Screen Time

We all of have a bit of an addiction when it comes to our phones. When we’re bored, feel awkward in public, or anytime we get a notification, we resort to these devices. Quarantine really tested the limits for everyone’s phone usage, and yes, I am guilty for spending 10 hours on my phone. Now as students with COVID-19 restrictions, we can get trapped in our small rooms, isolated, with our phones always there next to us, the temptation growing as every minute passes. To help with that urge to look at it, here are some ways and reminders to help you spend a little less time on your phone.

1. Move your body

I’ve realized that moving my body at least once during the day can help me get outside and off my phone. During quarantine, I was stuck in my apartment, so my boyfriend and I took so many walks just to get out of my apartment. Since school has started, I realized that going to the gym in the morning gets me out of bed and is a great kick start to my day. Before I would lay in bed for half an hour or longer on social media, which wasn’t beneficial for myself or my motivation. If I’m not feeling up for the gym, I like to take a long walk around campus or ride my longboard at some point during the day. Whenever I’m moving my body, not only do I feel better, but I stay off my phone. 

2. Find a hobby

I never really realized how important hobbies were until quarantine, which really pushed me to find things I was passionate about. Instead of resorting to my phone because I was bored, I wanted to find other things that interested me. Personally, I got really into cooking really healthy, tasty foods, and I bullet journaled every day. I also learned how to longboard which is something I’ve wanted to do for awhile, but always said “maybe later.” Then finally one day, I decided to spend the money on a board and completely fell in love. For you, find what your passion is and don’t hesitate to start. 

3.   Get outside

I’ve found that just by being outside, I don’t need to constantly be on my phone and can instead enjoy nature. Sometimes, it can be difficult to get outside with online classes and homework. I personally have 4.5 hours straight of just classes on Monday. I can get a little stir crazy in my small apartment room, and unfortunately, at times resort to my phone. To help solve this issue, I like to hammock to do homework, sit outside for a class, or go lay on a blanket outside to read. Whenever I am outside in nature, I feel much more relaxed and feel much more in the moment and don’t have the urge to reach for my phone.

4.   Be involved in the community

Whether it’s at school or after graduation, being involved with others in the area helps to feel connected, more than simply an electronic connection through your phone. I’m involved in several clubs on campus and love to volunteer when I can. For you, this could entail classes to learn a new skill such as pottery, book clubs, or volunteering in your town. This is a great way to meet others and spend extra time with people in your community exploring what your area has to offer.

5.   Get a job

Instead of killing time on your phone, why not get an easy-going job? I enjoy keeping myself busy with a couple hours a week with a job I enjoy. Yes it’s work, but if you get a job that interests you or that is easy going, it’s mindless. Also, not to mention, you get some extra spending money to go out or treat yourself!

While we can’t cut out our phones completely and they have certainly made our lives easier, we can reduce our urge to resort to them. Get out of your room, meet others, find things in your interests and keep yourself busy. Now that you’re done reading, get off your phone and go try one of these!

• Cell Phone
• get outside
• health
• mental health
• phone
• Screen Time