Welcome to another episode of Women Powering e-Commerce! In today's discussion, we're going to delve into an issue that many of us can relate to: screen time. Specifically, we'll explore the delicate balance between the benefits of digital tools and the necessity of disconnecting from our screens. This topic is particularly relevant in our digital age, where our smartphones, computers, and TVs have become integral parts of our lives. Join me as we navigate the highs and lows of screen time and discover how it can impact our well-being.
A few years ago, I had a revelation: I had developed what I can only describe as a minor screen addiction. I realized that I was spending too much time on social media and digital devices, and it was affecting my overall well-being. Like many others, I initially tried the extreme approach of deleting my social media accounts, only to find myself recreating them later. This cycle wasn't sustainable, so I decided to take a different path.
Instead of completely disconnecting, I chose to keep my social media accounts open but consciously made an effort to be less active on them. I limited my interactions to platforms and content that were educational and beneficial to my personal growth and business. This approach allowed me to strike a balance between staying connected and avoiding mindless scrolling.
My decision to reduce screen time stemmed from the noticeable impact it had on my mental health. I used to go to bed scrolling through my phone and wake up with anxiety. Even after trying various solutions like blue light glasses, I couldn't escape the negative effects on my sleep and overall well-being. It was clear that a change was needed.
One of the most effective solutions I found was to leave my phone in the kitchen overnight, relying on my trusty Apple Watch to wake me up. This simple act helped me break the habit of checking my phone before sleep and immediately upon waking. Additionally, I started replacing screen time with reading physical books, which had a calming effect on me and improved my sleep quality.
Research conducted by experts like Rich, the director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Boston Children's Hospital and a professor at Harvard, sheds light on the importance of how we use screens rather than just the amount of time spent on them. Rich emphasizes that it's not about the duration but how screen time affects our brains. For instance, spending 15 minutes on educational content versus entertainment can have vastly different effects on our cognitive development.
The key takeaway here is that we shouldn't demonize screen time but rather be flexible and discerning in how we use technology. Just as fire has both benefits and dangers, we must learn to harness the power of screens for our benefit while mitigating the negatives.
As e-commerce entrepreneurs, we spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. It's crucial that we reflect on our screen time habits and strive for balance. An article in The Times Magazine offers five simple questions to gauge if our screen time has become excessive:
These basic questions serve as a practical guide to assess whether our screen time is negatively impacting our lives. If you find that your answers lean toward the negative, it might be time to reevaluate your screen time habits.
In our digital age, it's essential to find a balance between reaping the benefits of digital tools and disconnecting to safeguard our mental and physical health. Screen time is not inherently evil; it's how we use it that matters most. As we navigate our e-commerce journeys, let's remember to be conscious of our screen time habits and strive for a healthy, sustainable approach.
I'd love to hear from you: Do you impose screen time restrictions for yourself? Share your experiences and insights, and let's continue this discussion. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe to this podcast. Together, we can inspire and support more women entrepreneurs in the e-commerce world. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I look forward to our next episode!