How I've Been Reducing The Effects of So Much Screen Time!

Now more than ever my screen time is astronomical. Anyone else in the same boat?

Every week, without fail, I get that notification on my phone that says ‘Your screen time is up __%’. Not ONCE since the start of the pandemic has it been down. Which is no surprise really, as I’ve relied on screens for business and social connection more than ever. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE being connected online, but I have to say that I’ve noticed it taking a physical toll on my eyes and my sleep.

So, recently I’ve put a few things into place to try to reduce the effects of such a huge amount of screen time, and balance out my exposure to blue light. For those of you who don’t fully know what blue light is (also referred to as High Energy Visible or HEV light) is – it’s essentially a range of visible light spectrum that comes from using technology like phones, computers, televisions, and lights. Overexposure to blue light can impact your eyes, whilst also messing up your melatonin production, making it difficult to sleep. In collaboration with Zigi & Marais (makers of gorgeous reading glasses and blue light glasses), I thought it could be useful to share with you how I’m working to reduce the impacts of so much screen time.

You can get a 25% discount on your Zigi & Marais purchase by using code ‘GEN&ZiGi25’

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A Bit About Zigi & Marais

Before I get into the things I have been doing to I wanted to introduce you to Zigi & Marais, a glasses brand that sells affordable AND chic reading glasses and blue light blocking glasses. The thing that appealed to me the most about them is that they’re made from 100% recycled plastic, meaning they are made from post consumer waste that would otherwise end up in land fill. I’m such a big fan of the creative use of materials, but what I love most is they look good whilst also being sustainable. I was also excited to learn that the company that makes them has traditionally made glasses for the big name brands, which is why they can offer such an affordable price. I’m in!

Here are some things I’ve been doing:

I’m Getting Strict About My 8pm – 8am Phone Ban

Long time readers will remember that a few years ago I started doing daily digital downtime, where I basically banned screens between 8pm and 8am. I knew even then that screen time was ruining my sleep, and when I’ve followed it strictly I’ve seen huge benefits. However, since having Frankie I’ve had to be a lot more flexible about when and how I work, which often means screen time creeps into the later hours of the evening. So, unless it’s absolutely necessary, I’m going to try to get back on the digital downtime train! Check out this post for more sleep routine tips.

I’ve Been Implementing the 20/20/20 rule

I heard about this recently and have started using it! The rule basically means that every 20 minutes when you’re on your computer or phone, you make sure to look 20 metres away for at least 20 seconds. It can be useful to locate your desk near a window to make this task easier and more achievable.

I’ve Started Wearing Blue Light Glasses

For those times when I have to work at night, I’ve recently been wearing blue light glasses. Mine are from Zigi & Marais, whose simple and chic designs appealed straight away. I ordered a few pairs (these, these and these) and have been wearing them in the evenings. I’ve noticed that my eyes are less red and irritated after working at night, and I’ve been sleeping better too.

I’ve Been Reducing The Screen Brightness

I often need full brightness for my screen so that I can edit photos properly and be able to see exactly how an image looks, but recently I have been more vigilant about reducing the brightness whenever I can. Even just having the screen brightness on half as opposed to full on my phone and computer has made a big difference for how my eyes feel after a long day.

I’ve Been Getting Outside Regularly

When you’re busy it’s so easy to dig in and sit at your desk all day, gobbling down lunch and just plugging on with the work. When everything is closed there’s not even a reason to leave the house anyway right? I’ve recently been committing to going out for a walk at lunch, even just a short one down our street has made a big difference to my eyes, and my mood!

I’ve Been Ditching Screens When I Can

It can be very easy to reach for a screen whenever you’re in the mood for a distraction, but once I started to be more mindful of this, I saw that there are lots of better things than looking at a screen, and there are swaps that can be made. I’ve been trying to swap my kindle use for real books when I can, and opt for baking or making instead of scrolling. Screen use is inevitable, but there are times when it’s a choice and it’s been nice to become more aware of that.

Get a 25% discount off your Zigi & Marais glasses by using this code: GEN&ZiGi25