On our lesson last Friday in ESMM, we talked about some simple strategies to reduce screen time. According to studies, more screen time equals to higher body weight. This is due to our inactivity, advertisements we are bombarded with and mindless eating that happens. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of our gadgets and allot some exercise in our day to day life. I remember when I was working, my fitbit will send an alarm when it’s almost 10 minutes to an hour. This will remind me to take 250 steps. However, if you don’t have the drive to do anything, no matter how many things you do, losing weight will not happen. It’s all in your mind!
To reduce our screen time, here are some simple strategies that may help you:
- Get TV and computers out of the bedroom. A lot of articles are promoting turning off your TV and phones an hour before bedtime as the blue screen stimulates your brain instead of inducing you to sleep.
- Plan how much TV you and your family are going to watch.
- Set clear limits for all non-work screen time and be a good media role model.
- Make a list of activities you want to do instead of watching TV. Things that you enjoy or excite you. Put the list in a place that you can see.
- Don’t keep the TV on all the time – tune in to specific shows. Watch your show then turn it off.
- Eat together as a family without the TV.
- Watch TV with your children. Discuss the shows and the advertising.
- Be mindful about the ads you see on TV and internet.
- Move during commercials!
I really need help with my stepson. He’s 9 and he’s here with us every other weekend. He has a Nintendo Switch and my husband encourages him to play his Switch and watch youtube on the iPad at the same time. I know it’s the weekend but it’s really irritating and not healthy. We’ve been doing #6 but it’s not constant. My sister was able to get him to help her prepare quesadilla which he likes. I hope he doesn’t forget how to make one. Can you share some other activities that a child can do which doesn’t involve a gadget?
Claudine on the Go 