Reclaim Your Time: How to Balance Technology and Real Life

Do you find yourself endlessly scrolling through your screen? Is your personality practically shaped by internet memes and the latest slang? Are you feeling exhausted even though you haven’t done much at all?

If you answered “yes,” you might be what we call chronically online.

“Researchers in a 2017 study found that adults who watched TV or used a computer for more than 6 hours per day were more likely to experience moderate to severe depression,” reported in Healthline.

Sure, the ability to connect with friends anytime and laugh at funny memes is great, but constant connectivity can lead to a deeper sense of disconnection.

Think of it like a “band-aid on a bullet hole.” The joy from a funny video or post gives you a quick hit of happiness — but just like that, it fades away with the next swipe.

But, let’s be real here. We can’t completely delete tech from our lives. We use it for our jobs, shopping, connection, education, and entertainment. So, instead of purging our technology, we must narrow our usage. 

How do you reduce your time on the Internet? 

• Set Time Limits: Allocate specific times for using technology, such as social media or browsing, and stick to those limits to avoid overuse.
• Use Focus or Do Not Disturb Modes: Activate focus modes on your devices to block distracting apps, notifications, or websites during work or personal time.
• Establish Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas, like the bedroom or dining table, as technology-free zones to promote face-to-face interactions and relaxation.
• Prioritize Essential Apps: Identify and keep only the apps that serve a meaningful purpose in your life, deleting or minimizing use of apps that are purely for entertainment or distraction.
• Schedule Digital Detox Days: Regularly plan days or periods without any screen time to reconnect with offline activities, such as reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors.

What can you do instead of spending time online? 

• Read a Book: Dive into a novel, non-fiction, or any genre that interests you to stimulate your mind and relax.
• Exercise: Engage in physical activities like jogging, yoga, or strength training to improve your health and energy levels.
• Pursue a Hobby: Spend time on hobbies like cooking, painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument that you enjoy and find fulfilling.
• Socialize in Person: Connect with friends or family face-to-face, participate in group activities, or attend community events to build stronger personal relationships.
• Explore Nature: Go for a walk, hike, or visit a park to enjoy the outdoors, get fresh air, and experience the natural environment.

How will engaging in activities other than spending time online benefit your life? 

• Improved Mental Health: Activities like reading, exercising, or socializing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by providing a sense of accomplishment, relaxation, and connection.
• Enhanced Physical Health: Exercise and outdoor activities promote physical well-being, improve fitness, boost energy levels, and support overall health.
• Stronger Relationships: Spending quality time with friends and family in person helps build deeper connections, improve communication, and strengthen bonds.
• Increased Creativity and Skills: Pursuing hobbies and interests can foster creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and provide a sense of purpose and achievement.
• Better Focus and Productivity: Reducing online distractions can improve concentration, boost productivity, and create more time for meaningful activities and personal growth.

Reducing your screen time can significantly enhance your overall well-being. By setting boundaries on technology use and engaging in offline activities, we not only improve our mental and physical health but also enrich our relationships and personal growth.

It’s all about finding a balance that works for you and making the most of both the digital world and real-life experiences.