Binge-watching during the lockdown? Here are 4 ways to make screentime healthier
Plan to binge watch during the lockdown?
When you are locked up inside the house all day long, there are only a few things you can do and that includes watching the television.
As many get ready for binge-watching marathons and catching up on the shows and movies they have missed up on, it's important to remember that screentime doesn't come before our health. While it is a good measure to avoid it, as much as you can, it is also advised to set some guidelines so as to not get the screentime better of you, be it a child or an adult.
Here are a few ways for a healthy viewing guide:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
When you are busy watching the television, always remember to follow this easy rule- try and look away from the screen every 20 minutes, at an object 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. Long, uninterrupted hours of watching can emit dangerous light which is very harsh for our eyes, making them dry or watery at times. Maintain adequate distance from the screen to avoid eyesight trouble.
Watch calming content
Watching an intense murder chase or spy movie might seem thrilling, but there are several studies which support that watching calming content on the television, or content which seems soothing and therapeutic to the eyes (such as shows about nature) can do wonders for your intelligence levels. Calming content has been found to have the same destressing effect as a meditation class and activates the prefrontal context, which is responsible for thinking and gives you energy as well. So the next time, we suggest you tune into a nature show or a documentary for the sake of your health.
Can't binge-watch without the snacks?
Binge-watching with our favourite snack or dessert is a habit we are all guilty of following and can't help avoiding. However, if you don't pay attention, these tiny habits can impact your waistline and put you at a greater risk for obesity and other lifestyle diseases. Hence, it's crucial that you eat your food right and mind the calories. Try and look for alternatives to your snacks (there are plenty if you go looking!). Fizzy drinks are a big no-no. If you can, avoid tuning into the television or browsing through the phone when you are having your meals.
Move around and do chores
Screentime is entertaining, agreed but it also keeps you glued to the couch (or the bed) for long hours. This is something which can happen during the 21-day lockdown too. It's important you stretch your muscles and move around when you are spending time engaged in an idle activity like television watching. Get up and flex a few moves before you begin the next episode. Keep a good check at your posture. Slouching and watching might be the best way to relax and binge-watch but not sitting straight can lead to serious spinal trouble. Remember, the show is not going anywhere.
Conclusion
Yes, getting addicted to the screen or any gadget is an unhealthy lifestyle habit which contributes to several risk factors. However, what one can really do is minimize the risks and turn your viewing party into a healthy one. Before you drain your eyes (and the mind), remember to create a timeline and space out your binging schedules.
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When you are locked up inside the house all day long, there are only a few things you can do and that includes watching the television.
As many get ready for binge-watching marathons and catching up on the shows and movies they have missed up on, it's important to remember that screentime doesn't come before our health. While it is a good measure to avoid it, as much as you can, it is also advised to set some guidelines so as to not get the screentime better of you, be it a child or an adult.
Here are a few ways for a healthy viewing guide:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
When you are busy watching the television, always remember to follow this easy rule- try and look away from the screen every 20 minutes, at an object 20 feet away for a minimum of 20 seconds. Long, uninterrupted hours of watching can emit dangerous light which is very harsh for our eyes, making them dry or watery at times. Maintain adequate distance from the screen to avoid eyesight trouble.
Watch calming content
Watching an intense murder chase or spy movie might seem thrilling, but there are several studies which support that watching calming content on the television, or content which seems soothing and therapeutic to the eyes (such as shows about nature) can do wonders for your intelligence levels. Calming content has been found to have the same destressing effect as a meditation class and activates the prefrontal context, which is responsible for thinking and gives you energy as well. So the next time, we suggest you tune into a nature show or a documentary for the sake of your health.
Can't binge-watch without the snacks?
Binge-watching with our favourite snack or dessert is a habit we are all guilty of following and can't help avoiding. However, if you don't pay attention, these tiny habits can impact your waistline and put you at a greater risk for obesity and other lifestyle diseases. Hence, it's crucial that you eat your food right and mind the calories. Try and look for alternatives to your snacks (there are plenty if you go looking!). Fizzy drinks are a big no-no. If you can, avoid tuning into the television or browsing through the phone when you are having your meals.
Move around and do chores
Screentime is entertaining, agreed but it also keeps you glued to the couch (or the bed) for long hours. This is something which can happen during the 21-day lockdown too. It's important you stretch your muscles and move around when you are spending time engaged in an idle activity like television watching. Get up and flex a few moves before you begin the next episode. Keep a good check at your posture. Slouching and watching might be the best way to relax and binge-watch but not sitting straight can lead to serious spinal trouble. Remember, the show is not going anywhere.
Conclusion
Yes, getting addicted to the screen or any gadget is an unhealthy lifestyle habit which contributes to several risk factors. However, what one can really do is minimize the risks and turn your viewing party into a healthy one. Before you drain your eyes (and the mind), remember to create a timeline and space out your binging schedules.
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