Limiting screens

I’ve mentioned before how I don’t understand how people can just sit & stare at a screen all day long. God, I feel like your brain cells are just slowly dying. And don’t you have anything else you could be doing? Or should be doing right now?

It’s hard for me to sit & watch a movie. Even if I love a series on Netflix, it takes me a while to get through it because I can’t just sit for hours on end. Part of me feels like I’m wasting time & another part of me feels like I should be doing something productive. It’s a common symptom of anxiety, so if you get like that too, welcome to the club.

Even if I’m trying to relax & watch something that I enjoy, I’ve learned I have to limit my screen time. Working in finance means I’m staring at a screen & numbers for 8 hours a day. Sometimes, the last thing I want to do is look at yet another screen.

When I do want to mellow out with Forensic Files or whatever, I feel like I have to be doing something else as well. Something quasi-productive to make it “worth it.” Like only then would I be truly “allowed” to relax…? I don’t know how to describe it. It’s an ingrained response from my childhood so it’s deep in there & it’ll take a while to work on. I know it’s not a healthy response so progress. 😉

Anyways, I’ll do laundry or write out my list for tomorrow or whatever else I need to get done. After an episode or two, I’ll be tired or bored & need to switch it up, whether if that’s another show or something completely different. I usually don’t spend more than 2 hours a night with a screen. Like I said, I can’t do it.

I’ve learned I’m much happier when I limit my screens. When I’m just staring at my computer or my phone, it’s like I can feel my energy draining. I get tired faster, more lethargic, & feel like a blob. And just like everyone else, it’s easy for me to get lost on social media sites (looking at you, Reddit).

By deciding to limit my screens, I’ve gained a bunch of freedom, energy, & peace of mind. I allow myself very short social media breaks throughout the day when I need a “palate cleanser” from work. I’m talking 5-10 minutes tops. It’s usually closer to 3-5 minutes for me. A quick scroll while I’m waiting for my morning bagel or a funny video when I’m frustrated is all I need to feel refreshed, informed, & still in control.

I don’t need to take these massive 30, 45, 60 minute breaks. I’ve learned that if my break is too long, it kills my momentum. But little breathers can keep me going without feeling deprived. I’ve also learned that I’m getting more accomplished because I’m not wasting hours on stupid shit. Yes, Netflix & Xbox are fun but I think moderation is key. If you feel like you don’t have enough time during the day, take a moment & add up how many hours you watch TV or mindless scroll on social media or whatever. The time is there. Start cutting out some unnecessary fluff & watch all the good that happens!