Less screen time: Ready to take on the challenge?

We all know it: screens take up far too much space in our lives — for adults and kids alike.

And even though we’re aware of it, we often choose to ignore that little voice telling us to disconnect. As a result, we slowly, almost unknowingly, slide into a habit that starts to look a lot like dependence.

Today, the simple idea of going to the grocery store or having dinner with friends without our phone can create real discomfort. As if being reachable 24/7 — at home, at work, at the cottage, on vacation… even at the hospital — had become a requirement.

Without our cellphone, we feel almost naked.

What do we do while waiting in line? At the dentist? In those quiet moments?

We’ve so deeply integrated this digital extension that we’ve forgotten how to simply… be present.

For some — the shy, the introverted, those who feel uneasy in public — the phone has become a comforting crutch.

And yet, before smartphones existed, we lived perfectly well without the constant need to be reachable every second of the day.

For most of us, our parents did it. Our grandparents too. And they survived just fine.

So why, today, does disconnecting for even a few minutes make us feel like we’re missing something?

It’s simple: our brain has adapted.  And like any habit, we can relearn how to manage it.

Not by punishing ourselves, but by rediscovering everything we gain when we reconnect… with real life.

Why reduce screen time?

We all deserve to feel better, more present, and more available for what really matters.

Too much screen time can lead to:

• Eye strain and poor sleep.
• Stress, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
• Sedentary habits, pain, and health risks.

In short: less screen time = more energy, more calm, and a better quality of life.

How to reduce screen time — without feeling frustrated

Here are the simplest and most effective strategies to take back control, inspired by best practices:

1) Set small, realistic goals:

• Reduce by 15 to 30 minutes per day.
• The secret? Go gradually to avoid frustration.

2) Create “zero-screen” moments:

• Mealtimes
• Before bed
• First thing in the morning
• The bedroom: a screen-free zone!

3) Replace screen time with something that feels good:

• Reading
• Moving your body
• Cooking
• Going outside
• Creative activities

4) Tame your notifications:

• Turn off anything non-essential.
• Hide apps that take up too much mental space.

5) Make it a family challenge:

• Set shared rules.
• Offer a reward to those who manage to follow the new guidelines.

In conclusion, reducing screen time isn’t about depriving yourself.  It’s about making room for what truly nourishes us: conversations, movement, passions, relationships, creativity… and real life.

Ready to jump in?