Could we take this coronavirus “pause” in our lives as an opportunity to change one habit -- how much time we spend looking at our screens -- that could truly help us to be happier, less anxious people? One doctor's advice:
Not only are we stuck at home, without normal diversions of work, school, and social activities, but the fact that we are learning new facts about COVID-19 every day creates a constant stream of changing news.
As an executive member of the Communications and Media Council for the American Academy of Pediatrics, I work on policy and recommendations on how much screen and media exposure kids should have. One of the issues we’ve talked about is how information that we get 24/7 can keep kids in a fearful and anxious state. But here’s the thing – research has shown that a constant stream of stressful information, can also impact ADULTS as well. In fact, news can even influence behavior.
Recently, I tried this myself. I decided to avoid social media and news for a solid 24-hour period every week, usually on Friday evening and until Saturday evening, as well as weeknights starting around 6pm. It was hard at first, because I admit, I love being ‘connected’ and I, too, have FOMO. But I’ve noticed that with even this minimal decrease in media consumption, I am calmer and happier. It really has changed my mood, and ultimately, even my productivity, as well as my ability to sleep.
I know it sounds simplistic, but taking a media fast can really make a difference. And by doing this ONE thing, we can potentially reduce our stress and anxiety. We can’t control what’s going on out there, but we can change how we digest it and how we react. And maybe this new habit that we learn during this time, can be a ‘silver lining’ from all of this. Because it can lead us to be calmer and more resilient going forward, to handle whatever life sends our way.
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