Spending Too Much Time On Your Phone?
By reviewing your screen time analytics, you can be more aware of how much time you’re spending looking at your phone (and do something about it!)
Modern consumer technology is addictive.
Our smartphones, apps, and social media are designed to engage users and keep them coming back frequently to see the latest updates and changes.
It’s this overly engaging nature of technology that can make it so detrimental to our health. Both in how it affects us physically and mentally, personal technology can lead to long-term chronic issues.
Are You “Addicted” To Your Phone?
Although none of us like to admit it, most of us probably spend too much time on our phones.
Blurry eyes, brain fog, neck pain, and a higher risk of depression are just a few of the symptoms of too much time spent looking at a phone screen.
It turns out that screen time is a lot like sugar. It’s fine in moderation, but too much of it is bad for you.
The first step in limiting your screen time each day is to know how to check your screen time analytics.
What Are Screen Time Analytics?
Screen time analytics are a numerical representation of how much time you spend on your phone or tablet. This type of data can show you how often you’re on your phone, what apps you use the most, and more.
How To Check Your Screen Time Analytics
Android
- Gp to your Settings menu.
- Select Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Tap Show your data to see your activity
iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Select Screen Time.
- Go to See All Activity.
How To Interpret Screen Time Analytics
This will show you some graphs including your daily average time on your phone as well as the apps you use the most. From this screen, you can set time limits for your apps and even schedule time away from your phone.
There are also many built-in features to help cut the screen cord. Using the “Work Profile” will allow you to turn off your work apps after hours, and the “Bedtime” profile will turn off certain notifications that might keep you awake. .
Tips For Promoting Healthy Tech Use
Respect Personal Time
If it’s so late in the day that you wouldn’t want to be contacted about a work matter, then don’t contact anyone else either. Set and follow working hours, even if you’re working from home.
Lead By Example
If you’re going to expect your children to limit their screen time during the day, or before bed, then do the same. Not only will it benefit your health as well, but it will also set a clear example of how your children should think about technology.
Set Limits On Home And Personal Technology
Most smartphones and Wi-Fi routers can be configured to limit their use or turn them off according to a preset schedule. This can help control how much screen time you get and help to limit early morning and late-night use of the Internet.
Find Non-Tech Hobbies
Whether it’s hiking or biking or a morning walk, make sure to take up a hobby that gets you away from screens and outdoors.
Don’t Let Tech Affect Your Health
Your phone as well as most of the apps on it are designed to grab your attention and hold it for as long as possible. That is how they (the phone and software manufacturers) make money. It’s your choice as to how much you will allow it to disrupt your life
While reviewing your screen time analytics shouldn’t prompt you to drastically change your life or habits, it should help you better inform your approach to daily health.
By staying aware of how much strain you’re putting on your eyes, neck, and mental health, you can reduce that strain through mindful action.
