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How to Curb Your Screen Time During COVID-19

Right now, it’s hard to keep away from looking at your screen. You’re looking at the latest updates, the latest closings, and wondering if you’ll ever get some relief, be it financially or from the army itself. You may be looking at your phone or PC, and before you know it, hours have passed.

It’s good to be informed, especially in a time of crisis, but it’s hard to tell what’s fact and what’s fiction. There’s so much misinformation out there, and it can drive you mad. 

Stop. Breathe. Here are some ways that you can balance out your real life and your life online. 

Cut it Before Bed 

First things first, don’t look at any screens or news before bed. The last thing you want is COVID-19 on your mind before you go to sleep. Cutting everything off an hour or so before bed can help you to relax and unwind, something that is important no matter who you are. In a time like this, you need some rest, and not looking at your screen so much can help. 

There Are Apps for That 

Whether it’s for your computer, your phone, or any other device, you can find apps that can limit your time on certain sites. For example, you can set a distraction app to block Facebook after 10 minutes of use. 

Some apps are better than others. The poorer apps can easily be uninstalled, but there are some, such as SelfControl for Mac, that will stay on no matter how hard you try. 

Practice Meditation and Mindfulness

Instead of worrying about the future, why not focus on the present? Be in there here and now, and let all worrying thoughts pass right through you. Meditation and mindfulness are two techniques that work wonders. Practicing some breathing can help you calm your mind. Being in the present moment can be good for your health as well. Read a few guides on how you can practice meditation and mindfulness, and you should be all set to go. 

Have a Set Time to Look at News

Our news climate is quite interesting because we are always getting updates on what is going on every minute. However, you need to learn to read the news either at the beginning or the end of the day. Always keeping track of every update will be the end of you, because there always is an update. 

Curate Your Social Media 

Having Facebook, Twitter, or other social media is important right now. You need to keep track of your friends and make sure that everyone is okay. However, if there are people on your newsfeed who are fearmongering, being toxic, and are flaring your anxiety, it’s okay for you to unfollow or mute them for a while. This is a time when you should be getting your news from reliable sources, and your loveable but worrying friend may not be the best person for that one. 

Try a New Hobby 

If you’re self-isolating, maybe it’s time for you to find a hobby that you can do at home. Order some models and build them. Catch up on your backlog of books, movies, or video games. Try to exercsie at home or spend your time redecorating the house. It’s important now to keep yourself busy, and this is one way that you can do so. 

Try Working From Home 

We don’t know your work situation, but if you have some time, you may be able to make some money online through work-at-home gigs. Many jobs are moving to working from home, and looking at some job sites or freelancing sites can help you find a way to use your time in a productive manner. 

Also, you may want to see if you can start your own business from home. 

Seek Help 

If you find yourself always checking your phone and feeling like the world is coming down, it’s time to talk to a therapist. One way you can do this is through online therapy. When so many counsellors and therapist having to do their business from home, this is how you can stay safe and sane during this madness. 

About the Author

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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