With technology having such a presence in today’s world, it is easy to get sucked into your TV, phone, or laptop. This technology can be a good thing to help you get your work done and to connect with others, but too much screen time can actually hurt you. The negative aspects of screen time can cause severe eye strain, neck pain, and other issues. To help you limit your screen time, you can simply download one of these apps to get a daily reminder to put your phone down.
#1. Stretchly:
Stretchly is the best of both worlds because you can use it to schedule short breaks called micro-breaks or you can schedule longer breaks. The micro-break option is a small 20 second break every 10 minutes. You can customize the duration of the micro-breaks and the longer breaks. A small pop up will appear to remind you that your break is coming up. If you want to take a break sooner than what is scheduled, then you can easily skip the scheduled break. If you are in the middle of finishing a task, then you can skip a break to continue working. This app is specifically for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
#2. Eye Care 20 20
Eye Care 20 20 is a free app for Android and iPhone users. This app uses an old technique to relieve the possible effects of eye strain. For each 20 minutes of screen time, you will look at an object 20 feet away for no longer than 20 seconds. This is an old technique designed to relieve the eye strain you may be facing. You will be given reminders when it is time to take a break.
#3. Outstanding:
Just like Stretchly, Outstanding is a free web app you can download. Outstanding is different because at each break, the app requires you to stand up. You can decide how often you wish to get a reminder to stand up and you can choose the duration for how long you will stand up.
#4. Unhook:
Unhook is an app that requires you to unlock more screen time. You will have the ability to set screen time limits for different types of screen usage like social media apps, games, and video streaming. Once you have reached the limit, Unhook makes you unlock more screen time through walking. For every 100 steps you take, you will be awarded with 10 more minutes of screen time. This app is only available for Android users.
#5. Micro Breaks
Micro Breaks is the perfect app if you use Google Chrome. It is very simple to use and also provides different break time options. The different options include breathing for stress, 20/20/20 for eye strain, break, and exercise. You can also choose any custom reminders you wish to set. The best part about this app is that it is completely free to use.
In today’s world, it is very easy to be consumed with our phones and laptops. However, most people do not realize the health issues too much screen time can cause. With the apps listed above, you can better manage your health through watching your screen time.
Written by: Megan Williams
Social Media 4 Seniors phone number: (865)437-6556
Social Media 4 Seniors email: jdancu@socialmedia4seniors.net
Social Media 4 Seniors website: www.socialmedia4seniors.net
