How To Build A Healthy Relationship With Screens

By Renee Goyeneche—

From the moment we wake up to when we go to bed, screens have become an integral part of our everyday lives. In both the personal and professional realms, digital media is virtually inescapable. We spend hours each day on various platforms: checking social media, streaming content, and connecting via messaging apps.

While technology offers benefits such as instant communication, access to boundless information, and opportunities for self-expression, it’s also crucial to recognize and address the real-world challenges accompanying its use. If consumption goes unchecked, digital media can have far-ranging effects on our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By acknowledging its influence, however, we can aim to strike a healthy balance, allowing us to harness its benefits while safeguarding our overall well-being.

Evaluating how, when, and why we use our screens helps define the underlying motivations and intentions behind our usage. We might be using technology for work-related purposes, to research or gather information, or to educate ourselves on topics of interest. Perhaps we’re seeking escape, entertainment, or validation and connection. Understanding our true motivations allows us to use digital media intentionally and curate our intake, choosing content that aligns with our values, promotes positivity, and contributes to personal growth.

Set healthy media boundaries by:

Setting Time Limits

Establishing specific time limits for both work-related activities and leisure screen time is a powerful strategy that helps establish boundaries and prevents excessive digital consumption. Adhering to a hard stop helps us manage our time effectively and ensures we allocate the appropriate time and energy to our real-life activities and responsibilities.

Practicing Mindful Consumption

Being mindful of media involves critically evaluating the necessity and benefits of the information we consume. Before engaging with digital content, we need to consider whether it adds value, contributes to personal growth, or aligns with our goals and values. Being selective helps prevent endless scrolling and consuming content that may not serve us positively.

Engaging And Participating

Rather than mindlessly scrolling through feeds or endlessly binge-watching, we can seek opportunities to be actively involved in our digital experiences. This might look like participating in online discussions, joining virtual communities, attending educational webinars or workshops, or utilizing digital platforms for creative expression. By taking an active role in our digital experiences, we cultivate a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and personal growth.

Planning Digital Detox

Engaging in periodic digital detox involves intentionally disconnecting from digital media and creating tech-free periods to recharge and focus on other aspects of life. We can do this by designating specific times each day or planning longer tech-free periods, such as weekends or vacations. Through these intentional breaks, we foster a healthier relationship with technology and maintain balance in our lives.

Prioritizing Non-Digital Activities

Cultivating a well-rounded life beyond the digital realm involves dedicating time to activities that don’t rely on screens. This includes pursuing offline hobbies such as painting, playing musical instruments, engaging in physical exercise, or exploring nature. Additionally, maintaining meaningful in-person relationships with family and friends, and actively participating in community activities are essential for striking a balance in our digital lives and fostering genuine connections.

Create a more healthy digital environment by:

Curating Media Intake

Be selective about the media you consume. Choose sources that align with your values and goals, promoting positivity, knowledge, and personal growth. Consider the sources’ credibility, accuracy, and trustworthiness to ensure that the information you receive is reliable and beneficial. By consciously choosing what you consume, you can shape your digital environment to reflect your interests and aspirations.

Uncluttering Digital Space

Start by uninstalling apps that no longer serve a purpose or distract you from your priorities. This helps reduce unnecessary distractions and frees up valuable storage space on your devices. Additionally, organizing your digital files into folders and using effective naming conventions enhances efficiency and accessibility, making locating and managing your digital content easier. Creating a streamlined digital space can minimize distractions, improve productivity, and optimize your digital experience.

Designating Tech-Free Zones

Set aside specific areas or periods in your day and designate them as tech-free zones to balance digital engagement and being fully present in offline activities. For example, establish your bedroom as a screen-free space to promote restful sleep and relaxation, allowing you to unwind without digital distractions. During mealtimes or quality time with loved ones, create a no-phone policy to foster meaningful connections and promote a fully present experience.

With the constant availability and allure of digital devices, it is all too easy to become immersed in a digital world that leaves little room for other aspects of our lives. Understanding the impact of technology, and setting boundaries on our consumption, is essential for safeguarding our overall well-being. By consciously establishing limits on technology use, we can reclaim control over our lives, prioritize our well-being, and cultivate a more balanced existence.

Renee Goyeneche: I am a writer and research editor focusing on information that benefits women, children, and families. Find me on Twitter.