From phones, to laptops, to tablets, most of us can’t deny that we’re pretty attached to our devices. Think back over the past week: How many times did you start scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or the news before you’d gotten out of bed and had a cup of coffee?

According to the Deloitte Mobile Consumer Survey, you’re not alone – 61% of people check their phones within 5 minutes of waking up, 88% of people check their phones within 30 minutes of waking up, and 96% of people check their phones within 60 minutes of waking up.

We’re not much better when it comes to our nighttime routines as 74% of people report that they check their phones within 15 minutes of going to sleep.

When you consider how many people move from their phone screen, to their computer for work, to their TV or laptop to relax, then back to their phone before bed, it’s a wonder that any of us are getting any ‘me time’ at all.

But it’s a new year and a new you, right? If there’s ever a good time to become conscious of the time you spend staring at devices, it’s now.

What’s wrong with too much screen time?

Everything from infinite scrolling to notification pop ups to the stories our feed shows are carefully designed to keep us online for longer – even Silicon Valley former executives have spoken out about the purposely addictive nature of social media.

The negative impacts of too much screen time include:

  • Sleep problems
  • Difficulty paying attention
  • Anxiety
  • Bad eating habits
  • Neck and back pain

How to cut down your screen time

  • Disable push notifications from social media apps
  • Set app usage limits on your phone
  • Delete social media apps from your phone
  • Turn off the TV if you’re not actually watching it
  • Remove your work email from your phone
  • Establish “No Phone Zones” – such as at the dinner table, in the bedroom, or while on holiday

According to experts, the benefits of cutting down screen time includes improved physical health, increased time for new activities, improved mood, enhanced relationships, improved sleep, better focus, and less headaches and eyestrain.

With so many benefits, step into 2021 on the right foot with more time absorbing yourself IRL and less time spent URL.