I do a lot of work sitting in front of my computer. That’s why I sometimes worry that I am not getting enough exercise each week. Resting in front of the TV and eating sweets only doubles my worries. So what a guy to do?
The best way to secure regular exercise for me has been to plan it into my day. Even if I don’t get other things done, I make it a priority. I make a decision beforehand that I have to at least make some effort for a specific amount of time, even if it’s minimal, so I don’t have any excuses.
In our digitally connected world, spending hours in front of the screen is so easy. Whether it’s for work, entertainment, or socializing, screen time creeps into almost every aspect of our lives. We need to push back in order to gain some sense of balance and achieve a healthier, happier life.
Why Do I Feel So Lazy, Instead of Exercising?
This shift towards a more passive existence is more and more common. Older individuals remember a time when the radio and TV were special treats; now we are eating treats, so to speak, all the time and getting sick.
The concerns about the impact of digital devices on our health and well-being are real. Teenagers are more stressed now than ever before. We need to place limits on digital device time in order to reduce feelings of anxiety, tiredness, sadness, and overstimulation.
It may not be our fault that we feel lazy. Devices have changed the way we live as a society. We interact differently, we entertain ourselves differently, and react differently when we have uncomfortable feelings.
Laziness can be an effective tool if we use it correctly. Using devices to shop online, attend virtual meetings, and learn without leaving our homes is an efficient way to use our time.
Yet, if we are feeling tired and lazy, and we don’t want to do anything, I’ve found it’s healthier to take a nap or go to bed instead of using screen time for a dopamine fix.
Unfortunately, laziness can multiply with the overuse of devices. We get too much dopamine and then need more to feel normal. We don’t feel like doing physical activity, even though that can be a big part of restoring our normal feelings.
To restore our feelings to a more normal motivation, we can limit our screen time to a specific amount each day or possibly specific times. Then, after a month, we may start to feel less lazy or at least figure out if there are any other factors that may cause our laziness.
How Devices Can Cause More Problems Than Solutions?
According to Healthline.com, prolonged screen time is associated with various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues. The laziness we might feel, accompanying screen use, can lead to weight gain and a higher risk of chronic diseases.
It is clear to me that excessive screen time can disrupt sleep patterns, impacting overall health and well-being. I’ve seen it firsthand impact my own sleep patterns.
Verywellhealth.com highlights the concern that prolonged screen use can lead to posture-related problems and musculoskeletal issues. Whether slouching over a laptop or staring at a smartphone screen for extended periods. These habits may result in discomfort or long-term physical problems.
Active.com emphasizes the importance of balancing screen time with physical activity. This can really make an impact on children and adolescents.
Screen time for entertainment and education is great in moderation, as long as outdoor play and exercise are a regular part of your child’s life. Otherwise, an increase in weight and other health issues may occur.
What Science Says is the Consequences of Screen Time and What To Do
To get more physical activity into your life, let’s explore these medical journals:
- “The Lancet” published a comprehensive study highlighting the global impact of physical inactivity. The research revealed that inactivity is responsible for an estimated 5.3 million deaths each year, making it one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases. The study’s authors stressed the urgent need for interventions to promote physical activity in populations worldwide.
- “The New England Journal of Medicine” featured a study on the relationship between sedentary behavior and cardiovascular disease. The findings demonstrated a clear link between sitting for extended periods and an increased risk of heart disease, regardless of one’s level of physical activity outside of sedentary hours. This research underscores the importance of reducing sedentary screen time.
- “JAMA Pediatrics” published research on the impact of screen time on children’s development and health. The study found that excessive screen use in early childhood was associated with delays in language development and an increased risk of attention problems. Additionally, excessive screen time was linked to lower physical activity levels in children. These findings highlight the need for a balanced approach to screen time for children’s health.
How to Balancing Screen Time and Physical Activity
So, in my own life, I made a decision to just start exercising three times a week regardless of how much effort I put in and just show up. I carved out a time three times a week and stuck to it, even if I was tired. I had no excuses because I told myself I could exercise as much or as little as I felt like.
This mindset helped me establish a routine and exercise more. Once I got to the gym, even if I was very tired, the actual physical activity helped. It seems for me, that a little effort to exercise, generally releases the mental grip that laziness/fatigue has on me.
Let’s explore some strategies you could try that might help.
- Set Screen Time Limits: Healthline.com suggests carving out daily screen time limits for yourself and your family. If you create a schedule with specific times for work, leisure, and physical activity, your temptation to sit in front of a screen is less.
- Choose Active Hobbies: Verywellhealth.com recommends engaging in hobbies that require physical activity. Like me, they employ getting your body active in things like gardening, dancing, or even home improvement projects. By making physical activity part of your leisure time, you can stay active while still enjoying screen-based entertainment.
- Explore Digital Fitness Resources: Active.com encourages using digital fitness resources, such as workout apps and online exercise classes. These resources can help you get the physical activity you need into your daily routine.
- Prioritize Family Time Outdoors: For children, carving out time for family outdoor activities is a great idea. You could do hikes, bike rides, or trips to the park to ensure that both children and adults get the exercise they need.
- Practice Screen Ergonomics: Verywell Health advises sitting properly if you do use screens a lot. Ensure that your desk is set up so you are sitting properly with little or no strain on your body.
- Use Screen Time as a Motivator: Active.com suggests using a reward method. You could reward yourself with screen time only after you’ve done some physical activity. This might be good for those who, like me, feel unmotivated. Just doing a bit of physical activity can make your body and mind less resistant and create a regular healthy routine for yourself.
Conclusion
There’s no turning back from the digital age we live in. The challenge will always be there, balancing our screen time and health. Since we have bodies, they need physical activity. We can maintain them with some routine exercise, and hopefully, you’ll enjoy or learn to enjoy what you do.
Excessive screen time has consequences. So, choosing to limit that time and choose other active activities, can help us find a balanced life. Moderation is always a good choice for almost anything in life, and screen time is no exception.
REFERENCES
https://chat.openai.com/ – Used to help write this article and come up with references.