Spending too much time staring at our phones or TV screens has become common. Today's everyday activities include browsing social media posts, streaming marathons of TV shows, and playing video games.
Recognizing the harmful impacts of excessive screen time on our health is imperative to maintaining optimal well-being in terms of our physical, mental, and spiritual selves.
Let's examine why reducing screen time might be part of a healthy lifestyle strategy.
Extreme screen time can harm our inner thoughts and bodies.
Hindering our spiritual journeys
Screen time has negative ramifications on your spiritual journey, as on your journey, you are hoping to travel inward to discover the path to enlightenment. In contrast, using your device is the opposite as you're focusing on the outward.
A challenge to awaken spiritually
Reaching a spiritual awakening while excessively on your phone or device can be challenging. A spiritual awakening typically involves deep introspection, self-reflection, and connecting with your inner self and the world around you.
Excessive phone use can often distract us from these practices and hinder our ability to engage in spiritual exploration fully.
Connect with your true self, not your digital self
Being in tune with our inner selves is more important than spending too much time on our devices. It refers to awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being.
We need to reflect, introspect, and connect with our true selves occasionally, especially if we notice spending more time on our devices than with our inner thoughts and feelings.
That way, we can discover our authentic life's purpose and not be caught up in the lives of others on social media, for example.
Connectivity and Disconnection
The concept of Yin and Yang can also play a part in how we use digital devices. It highlights the interplay between different elements and experiences, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony in how we use our devices.
For example, devices enable connectivity. They allow us to communicate, share information, and access the digital world, which can be associated with the Yang. But too much of it and it can do more damage than good.
Conversely, disconnection or solitude can be linked to the Yin side, representing the need for balance and introspection in a digital age. So, the more we know how devices can impact us, the less we should want to use them.
Longer Sessions Can Detract from Productivity and Focus
Extended screen time spent using devices can mean multitasking and constant distraction, decreasing productivity and focus for study or work-related purposes.
As our attention is often divided among multiple screens, completing tasks quickly may become challenging and sometimes lead to procrastination.
Reducing screen time helps individuals enhance their concentration skills, increase productivity and more efficiently achieve their goals.
Less Time in Nature
More screen time often means less time in nature because devices, whether smartphones, tablets, or computers, can be highly engaging and addictive.
People spend significant time using these devices and forget that much of the world and its beauty can go unnoticed.
The importance of connecting with the earth
Connecting with the earth through nature is often seen as beneficial for your spiritual journey for several reasons.
Firstly, being in nature allows you to disconnect from the fast-paced, technology-driven world, meaning less screen time and more solitude and reflection.
This solitude can help you to connect with your spiritual self and focus more on awareness of your mental health while working on your physical health at the same time.
Nature also offers a sense of interconnectedness and unity. While you're saying goodbye to the harmful blue light from your device, you can appreciate the harmony of ecosystems, which can remind you of your place in the bigger picture within the Universe.
Hours of screen time at a time isn't the best for your spiritual growth because it can limit your enlightenment journey. So, sticking to a time limit will help and use that time to take in the beauty and harmony of the earth instead.
Breaks Can Benefit the Body, Mind, and Spirit
No matter how busy life gets, taking regular breaks away from screens is vital to mental and physical well-being. Breaks don't have to interrupt workflow; step away from anything requiring intense concentration for some therapeutic relief.
Encourage others who live with you to take regular screen-free breaks for better communication and increased productivity.
Set yourself daily goals while taking steps to keep screen use out of reach altogether. Perhaps starting each morning by writing, trying a hobby, or spending some personal and spiritual time alone might be the best way to start the day.
Moreover, you can use these brakes to connect with other nature. Sometimes it's good to get some fresh air and take in the beauty of the world around you. You can opt for going for walks or going for a swim.
Final Thoughts
While devices have become indispensable to modern life, we should acknowledge their negative effect on our well-being. Excessive screen time poses risks that threaten both physical and psychological well-being.
Reduced screen time enables us to pursue healthier activities like exploring hobbies or spending quality time with loved ones or nature.
That way, we can increase health, strengthen relationships, and boost our spiritual journeys, three essential ingredients of leading a meaningful and engaging life.
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