During the coronavirus pandemic, you might find that you’re staring at your screen all day from studying online. But that’s why it’s important to reduce screen time as much as possible to avoid headaches, lack of sleep as well as aches and pains!
We’ve put together our top 10 tips on how to reduce your screen time while still studying and learning productively!
Let’s jump in!
#1: Take Regular and Active Breaks
#2: Set Time-Limits and Timers
#3: Switch to Hard-Copy Studying
#4: Schedule Screen-Free Study Time
#5: Form a Screen-Free Study Accountability Group!
#6: Keep Your Devices in Another Room
#7: Separate Your Working and Sleeping Space
#8: Don’t Study in Bed
#9: Phone a Friend
#10: Do Regular Exercise
Why Should I Reduce My Screen Time?
#1: Take Regular and Active Breaks
Time your study and take 5-10 minute breaks every 50-60 minutes, or make use of the time after each school period ends.Â
The key thing here is to make these breaks phone-free — meaning you’re doing something active and leaving your phone somewhere else!
It’s easy to use breaks as an excuse to go on TikTok or Instagram. But, for your long-term goals and health, make these breaks different by taking a quick walk around your home or do stretches in your room.
#2: Set Time-Limits and Timers
Reducing your screen time is as easy as setting an hour or two limit for your most distracting app!
On top of using timers to limit your screen time on social media or Netflix, timers are useful for structured study routines. An important step to taking regular breaks is to keep yourself accountable by a timer.
If you find yourself distracted and looking blearily at your screen while studying, try using the Pomodoro technique.Â
With every four sessions, take a longer 20-30 minute break. Don’t forget to keep those breaks as screen-free as possible!Â
Find out more about how to incorporate timed study into your routine on our step by step guide here!
#3: Switch to Hard-Copy Studying
You may find that not all your study is as technology-reliant as it needs to be!
You can reduce your screen time by making a few changes so you aren’t looking at a screen all day.
Tip: Turning your phone to greyscale can make it less interesting and, hence, encourage you spend less time on your phone!
This may look like:
- Using physical copies of texts and textbooks
- Taking notes with a pen and paper
- Printing out study material such as notes or practice questions
Not only will you reduce your screen time, you’ll be able to practice your handwriting speed and clarity as well!
#4: Schedule Screen-Free Study Time
Schedule into your study timetable a period of time for screen-free study!
Depending on your schedule, this adds 2-3 hours in your day where you commit to only studying without a screen.Â
Try to challenge yourself and work up to a whole screen-free day! Though this can be difficult, as much of your study resources are found online, you can prepare your study material in advance to make sure that you won’t be needing your laptop or phone to study.
Make sure to timetable this into a physical schedule so that you can keep track of how much screen time you’re actually reducing!
Check out this simple online scheduling software to get started here!
#5: Form a Screen-Free Study Accountability Group!
Struggling with sticking to screen-free periods of time? Bring your friends in on it as well!Â
Match up your screen-free study times with some of your friends, and you may find that it’s a lot easier to stick to your guns when there are people keeping you accountable.
Start something that requires face-to-face conversation, like a group voice call, and study together!
#6: Keep Your Devices in Another Room
In the midst of your screen-free study hours, or perhaps even screen-free days, take out all the devices from your study space so that you aren’t tempted!Â
You might even find it helpful to ask a family member to keep your devices with them so you can ensure that those screen-free hours stay screen-free.
#7: Separate Your Working and Sleeping Space
While this isn’t possible for everyone, if you are able to study in a different place to where you sleep – make that change!
Having your phone and laptop in a different area from where you rest prevents you from being on a screen right before bed or studying too late at night when you should be winding down for sleep.
Screens emit blue light which can delay the release of sleep-inducing melatonin, meaning you’re going to feel more alert when trying to get to sleep if you’re on your phone in bed.
#8: Don’t Study in Bed
This might seem like common sense, but there are a fair few people who study and attend online school in the comfort of their bed.
While it’s super tempting to do this, studying from bed means you’re unlikely to take active breaks or limit screen time.
It can also be hard to distinguish between when you should be working, studying or taking breaks, since you’re always in the same place!
#9: Phone a Friend
Take the time to call up and chat with your friends or distant family, instead of messaging online. Studying or working through homework together is a great way to keep socialising with your friends while reducing the time you spend on a screen.
While it might be strange if you rely on texting to communicate online, see how you feel after you call someone, you might find that you feel more connected to them!
#10: Do Regular Exercise
Just 30 minutes of exercise every day not only shaves off your screen time but also improves your physical and mental health, and helps you focus and concentrate better! Â
Take a walk around your neighbourhood with your family or go out on morning runs! If you’ve ever wanted to get into the habit of regularly exercising now is a good a time as any.
While it does seem like almost everything relies on using some form of technology, we hope this article helps reduce your screen time without compromising your study!
Why Should I Reduce My Screen Time?
Although the impacts of too much screen time might be subtle, there is a whole list of why spending too much time on your computer or phone can lead to long and short term health issues.
Sleep deprivation is a key impact that leads to other things like a shorter attention span, a lack of focus and lethargy.Â
Blue light emitted from screens is the main thing stopping a good night’s rest, and even blue light filters won’t be as effective as cutting down your screen time.
Feeling aches and pains in your neck, back or hands? You’re probably not alone!
The increased use of technology, while school is moved online, means more time spent sitting, typing and looking at screens at different angles.Â
Keeping up to date on your online study is good, but don’t forget to put your mental and physical health first!
And, that’s how you reduce your screen time!
Got other questions about studying better and keeping your wellbeing up? Check some of our other guides:
- The Definitive Guide to Managing HSC Stress and Anxiety
- 5 Types of Friends Who Will Help Support You Through the HSC
- 5 Ways You Can Build Your Confidence for School
- How to Support a Friend Who Has Depression
Looking for some extra help with your studies?
We pride ourselves on our inspirational coaches and mentors!
We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!Â
Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on TikTok!
Millicent Tai hopes to one day become a full-time teacher and is currently studying a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science at UNSW. She enjoys tutoring students at Art of Smart in English and Maths and has loved reading and writing for as long as she can remember. In her spare time, you can find her avidly reading Christian biographies or fishing in Animal Crossing.
