Unwind Smarter: Cut Screens to Reduce Stress and Restore Focus
As screen-based leisure becomes the default, Americans report high stress and poor sleep. The piece argues that multitasking across devices keeps the brain over-stimulated, undermining real rest. After a concussion, the author experienced clear benefits from two months of screen-free cognitive rest, suggesting true restoration comes from reducing cognitive load rather than adding new self-care routines. Practical tips include limiting digital multitasking, reducing interruptions, spending time in low-stimulation or analog activities (reading print, journaling, gentle movement, or device-free walks), and protecting time for genuine cognitive recovery.