Bringing family together has never been more important, as there is something of a great disconnect, as modern children and parents spend more time using screens. Fortunately, some are beginning to see the problems that arise from too much screentime and not enough family time. From engaging entertainment to movement, here’s how time away from screens can help.
Deeper Connection and Communication
Digital distractions such as phones, tablets, and even video games remove one of the most fundamental and critical parts of family life. One-on-one conversation is becoming something of a lost family activity, especially at important times such as dinner, when families should be spending time together. However, a wholesome activity such as a fishing charter gets families out in the open together, where they are encouraged to spend time bonding and connecting.
More Engaging Entertainment
Screens such as the TV, phone, and tablets have their place, and they are highly entertaining. However, they are very passive and put the brain into a specific state where it can become dependent on the dopamine and serotonin hits that this kind of entertainment provides, resulting in depression and stress when not using them. Some time away, such as every weekend, can refresh the mind and provide engaging entertainment that stimulates the mind in a healthy way.
Bringing Family Together for Mental Health
The constant stimulation from screens is having negative effects on all age groups. Some feel like they must be connected all the time, and one survey found that 39% of children feel anxiety and decreased happiness if they miss out on social media activity. This alone makes the case for mental health check-ins as a family routine. A screen-free weekend in the great outdoors, where family members can bond, work together, and OMG, talk, can be just what you need.
Encouraging Families to Get Moving
Of course, pretty much everyone sits still when using their favorite devices. We can sit for hours on end watching TV, YouTube, or doomscrolling. All of this can be fun, but it also means you aren’t moving, and with obesity levels rising, most people can’t afford to remain in a sedentary lifestyle. A few weekend activities, even walking through a local park, can be enough to offset some of the serious issues we are facing today, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Improved Sleep and Brain Function
It is pretty well known today that screentime in bed is linked to worse sleep and feeling like rubber custard in the morning! This is because screens emit blue light, which disrupts your natural sleep patterns. A bedtime routine that includes not using a screen for one hour before bed can help children and adults get better sleep. However, you can also kickstart your new week of work or school by ending the weekend with a healthy, screen-free family activity.
Summary
A deeper connection and improved socialization are two powerful reasons to consider bringing family together by ditching the screens on the weekend. Mental health can also be improved with less screen time, and you will also enjoy better sleep patterns with less blue light radiation.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
