Screen Time Detox

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As busy nurses, we’re always thinking ahead. While we do one thing, we’re aware of what needs to happen next and are used to juggling the needs and demands of multiple people. With so many responsibilities, it’s hard to be present in the moment in our daily lives especially with so much time on screens. The average American spends more than 11 hours per day on screens. It's cutting into sleep time, quality time, and more.

This challenge focuses on reducing screen time in order to take the time to be more mindful. Research suggests that mindfulness can help lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. So the more “in the moment” you are, the less stress you experience. Other studies show that being mindful can reduce anxiety too. Since stress and anxiety can lead to myriad health issues, taking time to be mindful can even make you healthier.

Though this challenge ended in February, 2020, you are welcome to challenge yourself to try it. Invite a colleague or friend to join you! Get started here.

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Date & Time

Monday February 17th, 2020

End Date & Time

Friday February 28th, 2020

Category Quality of Life Challenges

How are you doing in the challenge?

128 Comments

Stella Bella Mar '20

A tip to getting nurses involved in anything is to get by-in similar to a practice change or policy review and compliance. Talk to a few nurses who will get the ball rolling on the ...

rnscholar Mar '20

Thank you so much for sharing this Stella Bella‍ ! I think you have set the bar for the next challenge...

Stella Bella Mar '20

We completed the challenge on my unit and awarded certificates of completion just like graduation. It was awesome!

ChristiM Mar '20

These are SO great!!!

Stella Bella Mar '20

Stella Bella Mar '20

We are a competitive group of nurses so we are easily motivated if there is a prize and so the certificate of completion was a great incentive.

Liz Card Feb '20

Unplug for one evening a week -no screen time

rnscholar Feb '20

My kids had a "no tech night" as an assignment from school. They played games and played together all evening. It was such a success my husband and I plan on doing this regularly!

ChristiM Feb '20

rnscholar‍ that is so cool that the school does a program like that! I remember in elementary school there was a program where we would not watch TV for a week. I love that your family will be integrating the "no tech night" into your schedule!

Mrs Sheena D Pracyk, RN Feb '20

I've been doing better at not surfing mindlessly - my phone is the culprit normally there so I've tried to put it into the charger station instead of having attached like a part of my body wherever I go. I also turned of the notifications so I don't hear it ping and chirp at me every time it wants my attention. It only rings for phone calls and mostly calls to my cell are family & friends not junk calls. Unfortunately, I'm doing a course that requires me to log-in and review material, complete assignments & research for group projects so there has been some necessary & mandatory screen time from that side of things but overall still progress from before the challenge.

ChristiM Feb '20

Mrs Sheena D Pracyk, RN‍ great work! Very smart to turn off notifications! I need to do that!

xnphan Feb '20

Life gets so busy that at times, I don't even realize it and I'm on autopilot. Subconsciously, I pick up my phone, start browsing and scrolling through social media like a zombie. With this challenge, I will try to be more aware of the times I use my phone and other electronic devices that I have and instead, create valuable memories and spend more time with my family and less on my devices. I have now downloaded an app that sets my productivity time, so I hope this will help me be more mindful of my phone usage.

ChristiM Feb '20

xnphan‍ I am the same way with the mindless scrolling. For today I tried to set times for myself that I would be able to check FB instead of looking all day. I shocked myself and have honestly cut back my screen time today by half! I did much better today!

Mrs Sheena D Pracyk, RN Feb '20

I turned on the phone usage app and was quite surprised how much time I was spending surfing and scrolling without noticing it!

DKilbury Feb '20

I am making a conscious effort of how much time I spend on the internet/phone. As I mentioned in an earlier post I check the notifications on Facebook rather than scrolling through endlessly( and mindlessly). My work is even sending out emails letting us know how much time we’re spending on work related emails! I must be doingsomething right because this challenge isalmost over and I just now saw this email!

ChristiM Feb '20

DKilbury‍ nice job! Its very cool that your work is mindful of cutting back on screen time too!

rnscholar Feb '20

I have been trying to be more aware of my screen time and what I am doing. My biggest culprit is my phone. As soon as I sit down, I pick up my phone. Last night I was waiting for something and resisted the urge to pick up my phone. I tried to be aware of my environment, what I was seeing and hearing. Much more healthy! I also set a time limit on my phone for social media. I didn't realize that feature existed, but I think it will help!

ChristiM Feb '20

rnscholar‍ same here with the phone. Great work resisting while you were waiting!

abbyeed Feb '20

Staying off social media and mindlessly scrolling is what I'm focusing on. What I tend to do is compare my life to other people's lives and I know that's not healthy. I started to go on Pinterest more because there's a lot of things I like to see and enjoy looking at and reading so I think that's healthier. It reminds me of my dream house and what I should continue to work and save money for.

ChristiM Feb '20

abbyeed‍ Yes! Exactly what rnscholar‍ said! I actually read an article yesterday about not comparing your life to other people's "social media lives". Especially since most of what is posted is more staged and only the good parts of their day. I agree that Pinterest definitely comes off more positive!

rnscholar Feb '20

Yes, abbyeed‍ , social media has been terrible for that! Don't forget that people only post the best pictures and events. People rarely post pictures showing a dirty house, messed up hair, and irritable children, although that's how most of us live!

Stella Bella Feb '20

Off to a great start...I am off Monday and Tuesday so on Day 1 - I replaced the sudoku on the tablet with a hard copy. Day 2 - I went to be early and got the best sleep in a long time. Since I will be working Wednesday - Friday, I will focus on my phone's screen time. I have an activity planned to get the nurses off their phones for at least 2 hours during the shift. Stay tune for an update.

Stella Bella Feb '20

I work in a hospital. 5W nurses successfully completed the device detox challenge. For 2 hours a day 11 a.m to 12 p.m and 4 p.m to 5 p.m. we put our phones in a basket and engaged in other activities including talking to each other and our patients. Thursday and Friday the nurses did a small puzzle during the detox time out. It was fun! Thank you HNHN. Looking forward to the next challenges. Already have a great idea for next month.
The times were chosen because this is the time we have "free time". We see our patients from 7:30 to 9 a.m. then 9 - 9:30 a.m is morning/medical rounds followed by a not so busy period before we begin the discharge process.
Making nurses healthier on challenge at a time on 5W at New England Baptist Hospital.

rnscholar Feb '20

Stella Bella‍ what a great idea! I love the idea of having a group of people stay off devices together. Are you working in a hospital/patient care setting? And how did you figure out the times?

Stella Bella Feb '20

Today at work I set up a "screen time detox" station. I decided that 11 - 12 p.m. and 4 - 5 p.m. are the times most nurses use their phones for social media. So at theses designated times, nurses put their phones in the basket and have the option of completing a small jigsaw puzzle. We did not complete the puzzle today but will definitely do so tomorrow. Twice I reached into my pocket only to find my pocket empty because the phone was in the detox basket. Maybe tomorrow will be easier. The nurses were more receptive at 4 p.m. Looking forward to tomorrow.

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