Three Ways to Form Healthy Habits with Technology

It’s easy to begin feeling attached to technology. Nowadays, everyone from working adults to young toddlers depend on it as an essential aid in everyday tasks. Having instant access to technology, however, can quickly become addictive and unhealthy. Attachment to technology can make people seem distant, unengaged, or impolite. It can also lead to decreased focus and insomnia. Here are three ways to begin building healthy habits with your technology: 

1. Set personal time limits
2. Create a "no phone" basket during dinner
3. Make use of night mode

Setting a  personal time limit is a great way to make sure you aren’t spending too much time in front of a screen. Set a realistic goal that will be restrictive, but fair. Creating a no phone rule during dinner can not only help with your time limit goal, but will also improve your focus and quality of conversation. For example, have everyone put their devices away in a basket before eating dinner. Removing the temptation to glance at notifications or respond to texts will force everyone to engage with the real people in front of them at dinner. 

As for night mode, staring at a screen all day and night can be damaging to your eyes and your circadian rhythm. Remember to use your night mode when using devices after dark! Regular blue light screens trick your mind into thinking it is still day time. The blue light suppresses melatonin and causes restlessness at night. By using night mode, your screen will use a warm yellow color light. It will not disturb your natural circadian rhythm.

Remember to keep putting in the effort to form healthy habits. Technology is a great tool when used appropriately, but there is a time and a place for healthy usage. Follow these rules and don’t allow technology to have a negative impact on your sleep, focus, or relationships.