How You Can Minimize Your Screen Time in Quarantine

If you’re like the majority of the world right now, you are spending a lot of time in front of screens. And if you were like the majority of the world before quarantine, your daily screen time was something you didn't tend to share to others.

Before coronavirus, the adult population spent an average of nine and a half hours a day in front of a screen.

This makes sense. Screens not only make the hours go by quickly, but they allow us to see and connect with the outside world. To many right now, it's the only escape they really have.

But is the amount of time we are spending on our screens these days becoming too much? How do we find balance in this time where being in front of a screen seems like the easiest option?

Before you think any differently, attaining a screen time balance is in fact possible. However, before we dive into some ways you can minimize that time, ask yourself this question: Am I feeling guilty about my screen time, or am I feeling this way because other people are telling me I should?

If your answer is the latter, you are more than welcome to read the rest of this article. However, I encourage you to hop on another article of mine titled "Why We Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Our Screen Time".

How do we cut down our excessive screen time?

1. Understand Where You Are Spending Your Screen Time

As the New York Times puts it, categorize "your 'free' time into three categories: consumption, creation, and connection." Ask yourself these questions:

What kind of consumption makes you feel best?

What kind of creation online makes you feel best?

What kind of connection makes you feel best?

When you categorize your time online into these three things, you understand what type of screen time you value and what type of screen time you don't. Cutting down the things online that you don't put as much importance on can decrease the amount of time you spend mindlessly online and increase the time you spend doing something that makes you feel productive, happy, calm, etc.

2. Recognize The Outside Activities That Bring You Joy.

This is the perfect time to develop a regular exercise routine.

It is the perfect time to develop a new hobby.

It is the perfect time to work on a new recipe.

It is the perfect time to learn a new thing.

If you so desire to be productive in this quarantine, this is your sign.

But...

It is also the perfect time for rest. If you haven't already, you can use your free (screen-less) time to develop a new yoga or meditation routine. Little things like stretching when you first wake up or before you go to bed can make a big difference.

3. Take A Digital Detox

No, I'm not telling you to tape your phone in a box and spend thee next 24 hours without it. But it is a good idea to take breaks from screens throughout the day. Go on a ten minute walk without your phone, meditate for five minutes before switching from your phone to your computer. Little breaks can bring your mind clarity as well.

In this period of time where we are forced to be by ourselves for days on end, it is not a bad thing to connect online, in fact, it's even recommended. However, if you are struggling with your screen time, don't be afraid to try anything in this article. Remember, this quarantine is about finding balance, so find what works best for you!