Listen – we KNOW you want to lead a healthy lifestyle…why else would you be at the gym with us all the time? But the truth is, one often overlooked aspect of this ‘healthy lifestyle’ that we’re all chasing is probably sitting in your hands right now. Today, we are going to discuss the importance of cutting down on screentime before bed and share some really great tips to help you put your phone down in the evening…
Why Reducing Screentime Matters
- Improved Sleep Quality: The blue light from our phones, tablets, and computers interferes with the production of melatonin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Exposure to this light can trick our brains into thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep and taking away from our overall sleep quality.
- Better Mental Health: Constant engagement with screens before bed can increase stress and anxiety levels. Social media and emails can overload our minds with information and worries, making it difficult to unwind and relax.
- Enhanced Physical Recovery: Quality sleep is soooo important for muscle recovery and growth. When we cut down on screentime, we allow our bodies to enter deeper sleep cycles more efficiently, helping us to make the most of the recovery process from our workouts.
- Increased Focus and Productivity: A good night’s sleep sets the stage for a productive day. By reducing screentime, we improve our ability to focus and perform both in the gym and in our daily lives.
Hacks to Reduce Screentime Before Bed
- Set a Digital Curfew: Commit to a cutoff time for all screens, ideally at least one hour before bed. Use this time to wind down with non-screen activities such as reading a book or stretching.
- Create a Bedtime Routine: Develop a relaxing pre-sleep routine that signals your body it’s time to wind down. This could include activities like taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, or practicing mindfulness.
- Keep Devices Out of the Bedroom: Make your bedroom a screen-free zone. Charge your devices in another room to avoid the temptation of late-night scrolling. Use an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake up instead of your phone.
- Engage in Screen-Free Hobbies: Rediscover activities that don’t involve screens. Whether it’s journaling, reading, or spending time with family, engaging in screen-free hobbies can be a fulfilling way to end your day.
By cutting down on screentime before bed, we can greatly improve our sleep quality, mental health, and physical recovery. So let’s prioritize our rest as much as we do our workouts and see the positive impact it has on us. And if you have any other hacks or tips to share…please do!!
