Top 8 Life-Changing Alternatives to Avoid Screen Time

Erum Ghulam Hussain
5 min readSep 22, 2023

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Is digital detoxing crucial for today?

My answer is a big YES! Technology has become a fundamental part of our lives, and has become more challenging to cut out from screen time.

Research states a massive increase in using devices in teens amounted to six hours and 40 minutes. Excessive use results in more stress and burnout. It is essential to find some time other than getting busy with technology.

If you are the one who wants to rein your screen time, whether on your phone, desktop, or gaming device, we are here to help you!

Let’s dive into the top 8 life-changing alternatives to avoid screen time.

1. Pursue Real-Time Activities

Screen time is a new smoke. To mitigate this, you must set some boundaries and switch to real-time activities rather than aimlessly scrolling. Spend quality time with nature, plan trips, go hiking, walk along the beach, and do paddle boarding.

Physical involvement and nature offer a relaxing escape from technology. Engaging in creative plans can help you express your emotions and relieve stress.

2. Opt to Reading

It doesn’t sound good to the eyes glued to the screen, but don’t forget that “Precaution is better than cure,” so pick an off-screen hobby. I suggest taking the initiative of reading your favorite novel and getting lost in another world.

These vintage paper books will help you relax and enjoy some screen-free time. It will be an off-screen jog of your mind and eyes.

3. Turn Off Notifications

Notifications poke constantly and grab your attention, making it difficult to focus on a task or have a carefree nap.

Turning off notifications stimulates your productivity and allows you to stay away from your phone. It offers you to spend your productive time exploring or researching helpful stuff.

4. Enjoy a “ME” Day

Sometimes, Most often, you expend your energy on others instead of prioritizing yourself. It’s time to break the cycle and do something for you. Have a “me” day and do all the non-technology-related activities you desire.

Take a day off work, get ready, take your credit card and go shopping without your cell phone, visit restaurants, enjoy your own company, or call your chum.

5. Go Cold Turkey

Turning off devices and walking away are decisive actions to halt screen time swiftly. Try to save time spent with your notifications. Instead, Stay busy doing some chores, spend quality time with your child or parents, and write a diary about what had happened around the day.

Enjoy learning new skills and get engaged so you won’t have time to check your phone.

6. Avoid Screen Time Before Bed

It can be difficult to relax enough for a restless night’s sleep. A routine is one way of preparing the body for sleep. Having bedtime rites, such as cleaning your teeth and putting on your pajamas, signals your body that it is time to sleep.

If you use technology before bed, you will spend most of the night tossing and turning. In this sense, avoiding screen time before bed helps you sleep sound and peacefully.

7.Face-to-Face Interaction.

Face-to-face interaction is an effective antidote to the lure away from screens. It’s an opportunity to make genuine human connections, interpret emotions beyond emojis, and share laughter and memories in real-time with family and friends.

By prioritizing face-to-face interactions, you can bridge the technological gap and rediscover the depth of relationships. So, put down your device and look up — many meaningful interactions directly before your eyes make your day more useful.

8. Prioritize Physical Well-Being

Finding time to exercise is a clever way to dodge excessive screen time. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine enhances your overall well-being and carves out a set screen-free period.

Whether it’s a brisk morning jog, a yoga session during lunch, or a post-dinner bike ride, making exercise a habit ensures you’re actively trading screen time for a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Bottom Line

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to rest and refresh without relying on screens is essential. These eight life-changing approaches to reducing screen time offer a wide range of possibilities for relaxing, reducing stress, and living a more fulfilled life.

So, put your devices down, stop screen time on your device, and enjoy a screen-free, peaceful, and balanced lifestyle.

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Erum Ghulam Hussain
Erum Ghulam Hussain

Written by Erum Ghulam Hussain

Teacher /Public Speaker /presenter /Blog writer, an active, multi-skilled instructor, also energetic and eager to learn new artistry.

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