Screen Free Week 1-7th May

International Screen-Free Week is a movement that encourages people to unplug from their screens and engage in activities that don't involve digital technology.

Yes, we know it will be hard.

The aim is to help individuals and families become more mindful of their screen time and to promote a healthier balance between digital and non-digital activities. This week-long event is an important reminder of the negative effects that screens can have on our mental and physical health.

Screens, such as those on smartphones, laptops, tablets and televisions, have become a ubiquitous part of modern live. While they can be incredibly useful and convenient, they also come with a number of downsides.

One of the most significant negative effects of screens is their impact on our sleep and how they turn your bedroom into a techno battleground. The blue light emitted by the screens can disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. The knock-on effect of this is a number of sleep-related problems like insomnia, fatigue and irritability.

Screens can also have a negative impact on our mental health. The constant stream of information and notifications (those pings that insist on your attention) that come from our devices can be overwhelming and stressful, leading to anxiety and other mental health issues. Social media, in particular, can be a source of stress and anxiety for many people, as seeing Vicky on another holiday in the Bahamas can create a feeling of inadequacy or FOMO (fear of missing out), and social isolation.

In addition to their impact on our mental and physical health, screens can also have a negative effect on our relationships. When we spend too much time on our devices, we may become less engaged with the people around us. leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. This can be particularly problematic for children, who may miss out on important social and emotional development if they spend too much time in front of screens.

Despite these negative effects, screens are often difficult to avoid in the modern world. Many of us rely on screens for work, communication, and entertainment, and it can be challenging to find a balance between our digital and non-digital lives. That's why International Scree-Free Week is such an important event, as it provides an opportunity to step back from our screens and re-engage with the world around us.

During International Screen-Free Week, individuals and families are encouraged to find alternative activities to watching a TV and spending all your time series-watching. This could include spending time outdoors, reading a book, playing a boardgame, or engaging in creative activities such as drawing or writing.

By unplugging from our screens and engaging in these types of activities, we can reduce our reliance on technology and promote a healthier balance between our digital and non-digital lives.

Of course, International Screen-Free Week in only one week out of the 52 in a year, and it's important to find ways to reduce our screen time on a more regular basis. One way to do this is to set limits on our screen time and to establish screen-free zones in our homes. For example, we might choose to turn off our devices during meal times, or to avoid using screens for a certain amount of time before bed.

If you're someone who cannot fall asleep in absolute silence, maybe some sounds or music can help in lieu of of a screen. The Dormeo Ultimate Sleep Playlist is a great bunch of songs to help you fall asleep.

Another way to reduce our screen time is to find alternative forms of entertainment and communication. This could include engaging in hobbies such as gardening or painting, or spending more time with friends and family in person rather than through social media or messaging apps.

Ultimately, the negative effects of screens on our mental and physical health are well-documented, and it's important to take steps to reduce our reliance on technology. While it can be challenging to disconnect from our screens, events like International Screen-Free Week provide an important reminder of the importance of finding a healthier balance between our digital and non-digital lives.

By making small changing to our screen habits, we can improve our well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling and balanced life.

At Dormeo, we aim to help everyone get better sleep. Be it on our mattresses, our toppers, or just reading helpful information about sleep.