With many of us spending much more time at home than usual, it can be difficult to come up with beneficial ways to spend our downtime. Thus, we turn to our phones, TVs and computers for entertainment.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Easley highlights why too much screen time can have adverse effects on your health.

Is It Bad to Look at Screens All the Time?

It definitely can be. The average American spends at least 12 hours a day looking at a screen. Many of us indeed work on our computers and from our phones, but still, that’s a lot of screen time. Most experts recommend not looking at screens for more than two hours per day.

To name just a couple consequences, too much screen time can increase weight gain and cause chronic neck and back issues. Too much screen time promotes a sedentary lifestyle, which can result in less sleep and bad eating habits and can cause strain on the neck and back when constantly looking down at your phone.

Other Negative Health Effects of Too Much Screen Time

• Can cause computer vision syndrome, which brings symptoms like strained, dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches along with it
• Can impair cognitive function
• Can cause increased amounts of social anxiety

How Can I Cut Down on My Screen Time?

You really just need to think outside the box a little. One great way to cut down on screen time is by picking up a book.

Reading a real book on real paper will do things like improve your vocabulary, boost creativity and even decrease anxiety. Check out the list below for some other great ways to help your body out and put down the phone!

Other Healthier Forms of Entertainment

• Journal.
• Go for a walk with the family and/or the dog.
• Listen to some music.
• Cook or bake.
• Clean something that you’ve neglected to for a while.

Is your health suffering due to the amount of time you’ve been spending in front of a screen? Don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Easley!