5 Ways to Stop Technology Addiction
Updated: Mar. 01, 2021
Research suggests that at least 64 per cent of people now spend up to 4 hours daily of leisure time in front of a screen. Just as TV watching has been linked to higher rates of obesity and diabetes, this extra sedentary time is bad news for our health.
1. Choose Outdoor Activities Over Technology
When you’re at home, make it a rule that you can’t be online if the sun is shining. Instead, you have to go for a walk, ride a bike or get some other kind of healthy physical activity for at least an hour before you can pull out your phone or tablet, or take a seat at the computer. This rule should apply to everyone in your household.
2. Rearrange the Family Room Furniture
Design your family room so that the television is no longer the focal point of the room, but an afterthought that requires twisting around or rearranging chairs to view it.
3. Limit Social Media Use
Social networks have transformed computer and mobile use for Canadians of all ages. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat, impose limits on the amount of time you spend on socia media. Avoid aimless browsing and give your time online a purpose: Research holidays, catch up on the news of the day or find the answer to that random question that’s been bothering you for ages. Then log off!
4. Set Aside Reading Time
Challenge yourself to read at least 30 pages of a great book before you check your computer or mobile device. Pick the right reading material and you’ll soon find you’ve created a new pastime!
5. Create Projects for Yourself
It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you’re not glued to a screen. Compile a list of one-hour evening projects. List everything you can possibly think of: Organizing kitchen cupboards, touching up the paint on your bedroom walls, sharpening knives, sorting through your sewing materials. Then try to do one each evening.
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