When was the last time you spent the weekend binge watching your favorite TV show on Netflix or another digital streaming service?
Looking back, can you think of something that would have been a better use of your time? If so, recognizing that you may be spending too much time in front of the screen is the first step to recovery. If not, you may want to consider the opportunities you’re missing to explore the world beyond the screen.
Going screen-free gives you more time to be more physically active, spend more time with loved ones or observe some quiet time without distractions. Need more convincing? Here are some reasons you should go screen-free.
It improves sleep. You’ve probably heard this millions of times before, but it bears repeating. Turning off your TV and putting down your laptop, smartphone or tablet before bedtime can not only help you fall asleep faster, but improve your quality of sleep. Studies show that the light from tablet computers can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, especially in teenagers.
It helps keep you from overeating. How many times have you sat in front of the TV with a big bowl of popcorn, chips or ice cream? Probably more than you can count. Distracted eating is often part of screen time so it can be easy to overeat. If you’re not careful, you may have finished an entire pint of ice cream and not even realized it until your spoon hits the bottom of the tub. If you are not paying attention, you might not realize how much food you are consuming.
It could increase your child’s diabetes risk. A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood shows that children who got three hours or more of screen time a day had a higher body mass index and higher levels of insulin resistance, which are risks factors for type 2 diabetes. If you have children, show them that there is more to life than being a couch potato. Make breaking free of the screen a family affair. Go for a walk in the park or play freeze tag in your backyard. Getting more physical activity helps decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes for you and your child.
If you’re looking for more ways to spend time with your family away from the screen and lead a healthier lifestyle, sign up for Tanner’s Get Healthy Kids program. The free program, which consists of six, 90-minute sessions, is for children ages 8 to 16 and their parents or guardians. Each session includes a nutrition lesson, physical activity, goal setting and a support session for parents.
For more health-related tips, visit GetHealthyLiveWell.org. To have health-related news and tips delivered to your email inbox each month, subscribe to our customizable Get Healthy, Live Well newsletter at tanner.privatehealthnews.com.