Yes. We’ve heard. We should all look away from our screens during the day to give our eyes and our mind a break. But what’s the point? And how to start? And will it even make that big of a difference?! The answer is simple: you’ll start to feel better throughout the day.

Why do we need screen breaks throughout the day? 

Physically, breaks give your eyes a chance to recover and rest, reducing both eye strain and the chance of developing tension headaches. Mentally, it’s a chance to regroup and refocus on the task at hand. If your mind is starting to wander, look away from the screen, stand up for a minute or two to, or fidget with your Speks to refocus your energy.

How to start getting in the habit of taking a screen break.

It’s not always easy to start new habits, so setting timers throughout the day is a good way to start. The Wall Street Journal recommends the 20-20-20 rule. This means that every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. When you sit down to start a larger task, set a timer on your phone for 20 minutes and look away! 

The benefits of taking a screen break.

1. Productivity. By looking away for a few moments, you can refocus your mind and return to the task at hand with more energy. 
2. Creativity. Give yourself a break so you can come up with new ideas or solutions to what you’re working on.
3. Less stress.Breaks will give your mind and body time to destress. Look away from the screen, rest your eyes, and take a moment to breathe.