We’re all guilty of staring at screens too much in the day; it has just become the norm for most of us. But, the reality of it is that it isn’t necessarily the best for us, either mentally or physically. Here are a few suggestions of what to do instead of looking at a screen for hours on end.
Read
By reading, we don’t mean social media feeds. We mean a good, old fashioned, paperback. Go to your local bookstore and have a browse. Remember, be open to new genres you haven’t read before, they might just surprise you. Reading also gives you an excuse to try a new coffee shop or to sit in the park on a beautiful day. There are also plenty of reading groups around to join and make new friends in the process! Science has also proven that reading can improve memory, reduces stress, and expands your emotional intelligence.
Go outside
Go and get some fresh air, and stretch your legs! Often, when we are staring at a screen for hours on end, we forget to see what’s around us. Take some out to explore what’s around you, even if you just walk around the neighborhood – you might see something that surprises you! You could also make a picnic and invite friends to the local park to hang out and catch up; they will probably also appreciate having some human interaction and a break from their electronic devices.
Bake
This might not appeal to all, but to some, baking is very therapeutic. It keeps the mind active while also getting your body moving. Find an old favorite recipe, or try something new. You could also get a friend involved and do a baking challenge together, or do a bake sale for charity! So, put down the cell, pick up a mixing bowl, and get stuck into some serious baking.
Join the gym
Remember, exercising your body is just as important as exercising your thumbs. The gym is very daunting, but once you get into the swing of things, it’ll begin to be something you look forward to, rather than dread. Perhaps think about getting a personal trainer, or do some of your own research! You can play around with different workouts to find which ones suit you the best, and the extra exercise will make you feel better both mentally, and physically. Throw on your gym gear, and get that sweat on!
Take a nap
This one may seem like ridiculous advice, but hear us out. Sometimes, your body just needs a recharge. Turn your cell off, close your laptop lid, turn the lights out, and get comfy. Your eyes will appreciate a break from the bright, white light and a quick nap will have them, and you, feeling refueled again. Taking naps is proven to improve your mood, improve alertness, lower blood pressure, spark creativity, and keep your brain and heart healthy – so it’s, all in all, a pretty good thing to do!
These are just five things you can do to avoid staring at your screen for hours on end; you just have to find what works best for you! You will probably find having a break from straining your eyes all day, every day, will improve how you feel and open them to the world around you a little more.
