Bumrungrad Health Briefs #47: Screen Time and Digital Health: Finding the Balance
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Bumrungrad Health Briefs #47: Screen Time and Digital Health: Finding the Balance
In today’s digital age, screens are nearly unavoidable. From smartphones to laptops and tablets, screens have become part of our daily lives. While these devices offer incredible convenience and entertainment, overexposure can affect our mental and physical health. Finding the right balance between screen time and digital health is crucial for our well-being.
The Impact of Excessive Screen Time
Excessive screen time can lead to various health issues, particularly in children and teens. Common effects include eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty focusing due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Spending long hours on devices can also impact posture, causing neck and back problems, often referred to as “tech neck.” Mental health can also suffer; studies have shown that high screen time is linked to increased feelings of anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances. For young people, it can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
Tips for Managing Screen Time
- Set Limits: Creating a schedule with specific times for screen use, especially for non-essential activities, can help. For example, try limiting entertainment-based screen time to one or two hours per day.
- Use the 20-20-20 Rule: To reduce eyestrain, practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit helps relax the eyes and prevent discomfort from prolonged screen use.
- Encourage Outdoor Activities: Balancing indoor screen time with outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or sports can improve physical health and reduce the risk of screen addiction.
- Screen-Free Zones: Establish certain areas of the home, like the dining room or bedroom, as screen-free zones. This fosters family bonding and better sleep habits.
Bumrungrad’s Commitment to Digital Health
Bumrungrad International Hospital provides comprehensive wellness and preventive care services to support healthier digital lifestyles. Through personalized consultations, our experts guide families in managing screen time for children and adults, promoting healthy practices that enhance both physical and mental well-being. At Bumrungrad, we believe that with proper guidance, families can embrace technology without compromising their health.
Balancing screen time is not about giving up devices entirely—it is about setting boundaries for a healthier digital lifestyle. Bumrungrad is here to help, offering world-class care and resources to support your health journey.
Learn more about Bumrungrad International Hospital https://bhx.one/fFFpvh
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