Whether you're using your cellphone, working on your laptop, or even engaging in a virtual meetup with friends, screens are an ever-present part of our daily lives. While we certainly are grateful for these connections, too much digital exposure can cause our sleep and focus levels to take a dive.
Curb The Negative Side Effects
Thanks to this father-son doctor duo, board-certified neurologist David Perlmutter, M.D., and internal medicine physician Austin Perlmutter, M.D., we now have some pretty solid tips that can help keep us in check while on our screens. The acronym called the test of T-I-M-E (time, intentional, mindfulness, experience) was coined by these two experts, and here's what it means.
Time
Ask yourself just how much time you need to do a specific task. Are the sites and applications you're using necessary for the completion of the said task? If not, you might want to close certain tabs or refrain from jumping on various sites that are less relevant. It's important to stick to the goal and minimize distractions.
Intentional
Evaluate whether or not your time online is intentional. Having our devices beside us at all times can often lead to unnecessary usage. While you're using certain devices, ask yourself whether or not you are achieving something. Chances are you might be using this device to escape a particular moment of discomfort or boredom.
Mindfulness
Are you focused on the task at hand, and ignoring the influx of distractions that pop up on the internet? Are you being mindful? It's easy to get swept up by eye-catching advertisements, emails, or videos. Try to keep the time centered around a particular goal. This will make you less susceptible to impulsive web surfing.
Experience
It may seem innocuous at that moment, but gauging whether or not the experience with that particular device or application is positive, enriching, or negative can actually help determine our screen habits. If it's positive, it may motivate you to do it again, if it felt unnecessary, you might be less inclined to repeat that habit.