With continual advances in technology, you may find yourself spending more and more time each day sitting and interacting with some form of electronic device, and less time being up and moving.
Here are a few tips to help you find balance between screen time and physical activity:
- Find alternative activities. With so many media devices and activities involving the TV or internet, it can be easy to forget about other activities you enjoy. Try to incorporate a couple of your favorite physical activities daily—such as dancing or working out to music, going for a bike ride, or playing outside with your dog.
- Go outdoors. Instead of going to the movies, find an activity outdoors such as a hike, a picnic at the park, or drawing with your kids using sidewalk chalk.
- Mix up date night. Instead of going out to dinner for a date and then seeing a movie, try planning a more active date. Playing mini golf, going for a walk and then cooking dinner together at home, or packing a picnic and biking to a nearby park are all great options. Be creative!
- Active TV time. While catching up on your favorite show on TV, hop on a stationary bike or treadmill, or do strength building exercises such as squats, lunges, and pushups.
- Turn off the TV. If the TV is simply on in the background, turn it off. This can help you to better focus on your current task, and help lower your home energy bill, too. If your house feels a little too empty without the TV on, fill it with some of your favorite music, instead!
- Take the TV out of your bedroom. By taking the TV out of your bedroom, you will not be tempted to turn it on before bed, and it may even help you sleep better and establish a healthier evening routine, not stimulated by the light of the TV.
Even though you may not be able to control your screen time at work, you can control it at home. Unplug from technology whenever you can and get up and do more of the things you enjoy!
Did You Know?
On average, American adults accumulate more than 8 hours of screen time per day. This includes watching TV and using other devices such as computers and cell phones.
