BY KHADIJA KARIM
Ever feel like your brain is running on low battery? That’s digital burnout creeping in! Too much screen time can leave you: exhausted, anxious, and just plain over it. The worst part? You might not even realize it’s happening until you’re totally drained. Since we can’t exactly ditch our devices (school, work, and memes exist, after all), we need to find a better balance.
The good news? You don’t have to go full caveman to fix it. Here are five fun and easy ways to refresh your mind and avoid the digital crash.
- Give your eyes a break (seriously, they deserve it!)
Ever feel like your eyeballs are burning after a long screen session? That’s because they probably are. The 20-20-20 rule is a lifesaver—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s like a mini vacation for your eyes! Plus, no more headaches. Win-win.
Another trick? Blink more! It sounds silly, but when you stare at a screen, you blink way less, which dries out your eyes. So, start blinking like you mean it.
- Make a no-phone zone
Imagine this: a world where your bed is just for sleeping, not for doom-scrolling at 2 AM. Wild, right? Try keeping your phone out of your bedroom (or at least off your bed). You’ll fall asleep faster, sleep better, and actually wake up feeling like a human instead of a zombie.
“Your screen will still be there, but your mental health comes first.”
Another great no-phone zone? The dinner table. Eating while watching YouTube might seem harmless, but it can actually make you feel more tired. Try enjoying your meal screen-free and notice the difference.
- Social media detox (no, you won’t miss anything important)
We’ve all been there—one minute you’re checking a text, and the next thing you know, you’re deep in a TikTok rabbit hole watching a guy build a tiny house for a frog. Fun? Yes. Necessary? Not really. Set a timer for social media so you don’t lose hours without realizing it. Your brain will thank you.
Also, try unfollowing accounts that stress you out. If something doesn’t make you happy, or inspired, it’s okay to hit that unfollow button!
- Move your body (even if it’s just a dance break)
Sitting all day = feeling like a potato. The fix? Move! Stretch, take a short walk, or have an impromptu dance party in your room. Anything that gets your blood pumping will make you feel way more awake and alert. Bonus points if it’s something fun!
Even just standing up and shaking out your limbs every hour helps. Your body was not made to sit like a statue all day!
- Find fun offline stuff
Not everything has to involve a screen. Try doodling, reading, baking, or playing an actual board game (yes, those still exist!). Finding something you enjoy that doesn’t involve pixels will help your brain relax and recharge.
Bonus idea: Write letters to your friends! It’s old-school but surprisingly fun.
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