Technology is amazing and is making so much or our lives more accessible and efficient and is no doubt going to continue to have major benefits for the future.

However, in 2021, a research study by Reviews.org surveyed over 1000 Australians and discovered the average screen time for smartphone users to be an incredible 5.5 hours per day! This equates to 33 per cent of our waking hours!

Excessive screen time has a number of side effects including physical strain to your eyes and body, sleep deprivation, loss of cognitive ability, depression, anxiety and an increased risk of obesity to just name of few!!

Like everything we teach in Health & Fitness, moderation is very important. The same goes with screen time. Here are 3 strategies to help reduce your screen time and avoid some of these nasty negative side effects….

1. TRACK YOUR SCREEN TIME.

   When we tell members to keep a food diary the simple task of just tracking what and how much you are eating is generally enough to promote positive changes. We can use the same strategy for screen usage. Most smartphones now have screen time functions that allow you to track your daily and even weekly usage. You can even set usage limits for certain, higher use (usually social media) apps which will keep you accountable to how long you spend using them.

2. KEEP SCREENS OUT OF THE BEDROOM.

   As I mentioned before, the bedroom is for sleep. Keep your phone on a charger in the kitchen so you won’t be tempted late at night to check the latest news stories or what’s happening on social media. If you have trouble getting to sleep, have a book on hand rather than your phone and keep work and TV time in separate rooms.

3. CREATE A FAMILY ‘NO PHONE’s AT THE TABLE’ RULE.

   Enjoy a meal with your family and keep your phone’s away. You may have a bowl or jar for all phones to be stored in while you have dinner which can be fun and keep family members more accountable. Avoid eating in front of the TV as well. The TV becomes a distraction and can promote bad eating habits and less mindful eating.

Have a go at these 3 strategies and cut back on your screen time!