{"id":4463,"date":"2025-03-30T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/student-life\/?p=4463"},"modified":"2025-09-14T14:37:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T18:37:42","slug":"unplugged-5-ways-to-limit-your-screen-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/student-life\/2025\/03\/unplugged-5-ways-to-limit-your-screen-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Unplugged: 5 Ways to Limit Your Screen Time\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let\u2019s be honest, most of us spend more time on our phones than we\u2019d like to admit. Growing up in a digital world, it\u2019s easy to get caught up in social media and lose track of the real-life moments happening around us. And social media is not necessarily a carefree, stress-relieving break. I find myself doom scrolling regularly and it\u2019s just not good for my mental health.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding balance is key. So we asked our followers on Instagram about their screen time and how they felt about it. With 415 total responses to our poll, 38% had an average of 5-7 hours of daily screen time and 35% had an average of over 7 hours (!!) of daily screen time. We also asked how they felt about the screen time, and only 30% felt good about it. If you’re stuck in the same boat, we’re here to help!  If you\u2019re interested in setting boundaries, taking control of your screen time, and making space for more meaningful connections, here are some of our favorite ways to stay unplugged (including some submitted by you on Instagram!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set Realistic Limits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cutting back on screen time sounds simple until you realize how much time you spend on your phone. Start by checking your daily screen time (iPhone users can find this in Settings \u2192 Screen Time). Once you see your average, set a goal<\/strong>\u2014cut back by 30 minutes a day to start. Limits aren\u2019t set in stone, so adjust as needed and celebrate small wins along the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We asked followers on Instagram about the strategies they use to reduce screen time – and they delivered! There were so many great suggestions including some great apps<\/strong> to help. You can download apps like Opal<\/a> and ScreenZen<\/a> to help you control your screen time! Others suggested putting the phone on \u201cDo Not Disturb<\/strong>\u201d after a set time each night, powering down completely<\/strong>, or relying on airplane mode<\/strong> to avoid the temptation to pick up the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal isn\u2019t to ditch your phone completely but to be more intentional with your time. Your phone should work for<\/em> you, not the other way around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"One<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Make a Priority List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all screen time is equal. Watching an educational video is productive. Scrolling through TikTok for hours? Not so much. And don\u2019t give me that \u201cI learn so much from TikTok\u201d argument. I\u2019ve used that one, too\u2026 but let\u2019s face it, it\u2019s not \u201ceducational\u201d 98% of the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try making a priority list. This is a ranking of what\u2019s most important in your life right now (e.g., maintaining new friendships, getting good grades, staying in touch with family, clubs and organizations, etc.). Once you know what deserves your time, it\u2019s easier to cut out the stuff that doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"4<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Find a New Hobby (That Doesn\u2019t Involve Screens!)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ever wanted to learn a new skill, try a sport, or get into something creative? Now\u2019s your chance. Hobbies don\u2019t have to be complicated; maybe it\u2019s playing intramural sports, picking up photography, or finally trying that pottery class you keep seeing on Instagram. Keeping your mind and body occupied will make you less likely to grab your phone automatically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus: You might meet some new people!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Beautiful<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Explore Nature <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s be honest, Miami\u2019s campus is gorgeous, and we don\u2019t appreciate it enough. If you\u2019re stuck in a scrolling spiral, take a break. Go for a walk, sit on a bench, and observe the world around you, or check out one of the trails around campus. Fresh air does wonders for your mood and focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turn Off Social Media Notifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This one\u2019s tough but game-changing. When I see a notification on my phone and go in to check it out, the next 20 minutes are spent scrolling Instagram. And sometimes, I don\u2019t even realize it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to turn off social media notifications and only check your apps when you decide<\/em> to, not whenever your phone buzzes. You\u2019ll be amazed at how much more control you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to Unplug? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We challenge you to try just one of these tips this week and see how it feels… If you are more productive, feeling happier, and enjoying your life more, maybe try to add another tip the following week. It\u2019s about making intentional choices and giving yourself room to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You got this! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morgan Krugh | Class of 2027<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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