Screen Time and Mindful Living - ARUN RAJ KUMAR S

Today we live in a fast-moving world, and it is bundled up with rapid technological development. Screen time plays a vital role in influencing overall mindful living. Screen Time means the time we spend looking at screens of mobile phones, laptops, TVs, and tablets. Some screen time is useful and needed. We study online, work on computers, and talk to friends and family through video calls. But when screen time becomes too much, it can slowly start to have adverse effects on our mind and thought process. When we spend long hours on screens, we often move less. This reduces our physical activity, and that impacts the mind too. Too much screen time, especially at night, also affects our sleep cycle and starts creating physiological imbalance that leads to stress, anxiety and creates an impact on the overall well-being.  On many Social media apps, people post only the candid moments of their life and often human tendency tries to correlate with one's own and such leads to letting down self‑confidence and may end up in depression. Studies reveal there has been an increase in cyberbullying, which touches the morality and dignity of a person, which is constitutionally safeguarded

Not all screen time is bad. An ocean of content online helps us to learn and stay connected with the world. The main problem is not just “screens”, but how long and why we are using them. If we use them in a limited and mindful way, they can be helpful as much as they should be. We can follow some simple steps for mindful living:

1) We can fix a limit for entertainment screen time each day and try to keep it within that limit.

2) We can avoid using phones during meals and one hour before sleeping.

3) We can keep at least one part of the day, like early morning or evening, as “no‑screen time” for walking, exercise, hobbies, or spending quality time with family.

4) If we feel worse after using certain apps or games, we should reduce or stop them gradually

5) If screen use starts to disturb sleep, studies, work, or relationships, it is a warning sign. It may be helpful to talk to a trusted friend, family member, teacher or professional counsellors.

Screen time is an inevitable part of life; however, it should not have a negative influence but rather be constructive. With small changes and clear limits, we can use screens in a balanced way and take care of our own well-being.