Avoid screen time to lead better life

Failing to understand this, we will be forced to face unavoidable damage to the self, collectively a great damage to the society on emotional, social and behavioural level. I am not here to discuss on the known facts like discipline, exercise, healthy food etc. I am going to talk about a topic which has to be approached with high alertness, awareness and self-effort; a topic which is an alarming issue to us. As humans, we are still proving that we take effort only after we suffer. We fail to prove that we are blessed with the power to prevent ourselves before we suffer. One such thing is visual interaction and screen time.

According to research, young children are highly affected because of the screen time. It’s not only the time spent on television but any other gadgets like phones, tablet, laptop etc. Other than reading, everything else is considered as screen time. It’s not only young children but even adults who are suffering because of this issue. When we as adults don’t have control over our screen time, there is no point in insisting our children to reduce it. It’s never going to happen. Other habits like drinking, smoking can be controlled as an addiction which you can overcome with sincere effort and medical treatment. But the time you spend on screen is worse than addiction. Consider the following three points:

 It thinks that any visual interaction is helping them to keep themselves away from the present stress and pressure. 

Therefore it’s not that easy to come out of this habit. Let me put it in this way. According to present research (taking 100% wakeful state), it is unbelievable that an adult above 30 years is under 93% of visual interaction and screen time. This time includes the usage of cell phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, TV, YouTube etc. Many people claim that they are watching spiritual videos, positive and motivational videos etc. In simple terms, any exposure to blue light is considered as screen time. Excessive exposure to this light causes immediate and instant damage to the eyes and brain. It is not only affecting youngsters, but it’s affecting the lives of adults. Blurred vision, headache, insomnia etc. are some of the health problems caused due to this. Other problems like inattentiveness, poor concentration, inability to mingle in a society and high vulnerability to emotional behaviour and psychological problems are known damages because of this. The only solution is to reduce the screen time which is not that easy. Once you are exposed to more screen time on a regular basis, the brain by itself loses its physical capacity and the mind loses its will power. 

The only thing that can help you regain the strength in physical and psychological level is meditation. I will tell you three scientific reasons how this is possible:

Your body is designed in a way that when it has no movement, it’s considered as stillness, sedentary or relaxing mode according to brain. This by itself is negative to physical health. When you are virtually interacting, your body is still but the brain functions more than the normal level. The brain is in a virtual movement. This affects the regular functioning of the brain.

Everyone knows that oxygen is essential for every single cell to function. Very few know that 20 to 25 % of oxygen is utilised by brain alone at any given point of time. When the body is still, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen to engage in virtual movement and so it is forced to function without the sufficient amount of oxygen during screen time. 

Recent studies have proved the fact that anybody who is engaged on screen for more than seven hours loses the ability to sleep for more than four hrs. This in turn disturbs the entire hormone and growth cycle and affects almost every part of the body. This truth has to be accepted and immediately rectified. 

Shockingly, the screen time for some people has increased up to 17 hours a day. So, make sure you don’t fall into this category. If so, please remember that there is no immediate repair to your body. However, there is a permanent solution and that is meditation. Not just anything in the name of meditation but real meditation like Atma-dhyana can fix the damage happened to your body. The three changes in your body while you meditate are: 

Your body is in complete stillness without any visual interaction, not even a thought. In this state, your body and mind receives unexplainable cosmic power which in turn is rewarding to the entire psychological and physical system. 

In the present world, brain has reached a state of darkness deprived condition. Therefore, sleep is very essential for a human being. Mediation is one level above sleep wherein your brain enjoys the required darkness to perform its normal function and to produce essential hormones for a healthy body. This is the direct impact of meditation.

Research says that meditation is the direct process which immediately helps in strengthening three areas: your eyesight, brain function and cellular respiration. This is the only process which converts the energy for the body to receive and utilise. 

It’s never too early but it’s already too late to start. Your body is the only resource through which you can live the life you want to live and the brain is the only power through which your body can be utilised. Before you lose your body and life, make sure to take a resolution that meditation is not only important but it is fundamental and essential for a new life and new beginning. With sincere approach and committed practice, positive results are inevitable. 

Wishing you a life full of peace, success and happiness!!

Atmayogi Shri Aasaanji

Aham Brahmasmi!