Hello and Happy Monday! An important factor of mental health is good sleep, and too much screen time can affect the quality of sleep we get. Our body naturally produces the chemical melatonin to tell our bodies when we are getting tired. Our bodies automatically do this when it starts to get dark out. If we are focusing on screens (TV, tablet, phone, etc.), the light from the screen tricks our brains and it doesn't release as much melatonin because it feels like it is still light outside. I recommend turning off all screens at least an hour before bed to help curb this effect.

Another effect of too much screen time is increased stress from getting emails, texts, and phone calls we need to return. Reading the news and stressful media also increase anxiety, and many of us get that information via our screens. When we are engaging in stressful activities, our bodies release cortisol, which keeps our bodies agitated rather than relaxed.

Other effects of screen time can include decreased ability to concentrate, more difficulty with peer interactions (since screens are like robots and not people), and distracts us from learning how to regulate emotions. 

Pediatricians recommend 1 hour or less of screen time a day for kids- which I think is also beneficial for adults. While we live in a screen world, being more aware of how much time we are spending in front of a screen can be helpful so we can make mindful decisions about how we actually want to spend our time.

Check out this article for more information regarding screen time and its affects.

Thanks for reading and being in connection with me,

Steph