Digital play as part of a balanced lifestyle
by Northern Life
There are many types of digital entertainment: streaming services for movies and TV shows, social media, music platforms, and online gaming, to name just a few of the most popular. The pitfalls of these plentiful options are well documented and are often pointed to as one of the causes of indoor, sedentary lifestyles that have become one of the main drivers of increases in obesity and mental health struggles.
Of course, much of the blame apportioned to digital entertainment is unfair, and the value and joy these leisure activities have brought to modern society cannot be doubted. As with many discussion points these days, opinions become polarised, but the truth, as usual, is a little more nuanced. And again, just like arguments surrounding other sensitive subject matter, balance can be considered the key.
Variety in entertainment
If variety and balance are key to a healthy lifestyle, the same holds for the types of digital play we engage in. Watching series and movies can be great for unwinding – mentally switching off from the day’s normal worries and stresses. Online gaming can be beneficial for mental dexterity and even social connection, with thriving online communities around specific games and tournaments. The sense of competition can also add health benefits.
Even activities such as playing online slots can contribute to a healthy lifestyle if used in moderation. Online casinos have now become much more proactive in advertising and applying protocols for responsible gambling practices, and that’s yet another reason why only using fully licenced online sites is compulsory. Using recommendation sites, such as casino.com, is a best-practice approach as the manner in which these sites explore and rate casino slots online in Ireland and the UK is an effective way of making sure you use a site which offers a fun gaming experience but in a safe and controlled environment.
Safe use of online slots
As well as making sure you only use fully licenced and reputable online gaming sites, there are other non-negotiables for safely and enjoyably using online slots. The importance of using review sites such as casino.com to find the most suitable and proactive options for safe gaming habits has already been mentioned, but it’s important that self-control and balanced lifestyles are incorporated into any use of online gaming. Set stringent limits, both in terms of time and budget: whichever runs out first is irrelevant; it’s time to stop.
Due to the sedentary nature of screen use, it’s vital to limit screen time.
How much is too much screen time?
There has been plenty of research into the damage that too much screen time can cause. The well-documented health risks of too much screen time can include, but are not limited to, eye strain, a negative impact on sleep, and mood swings.
There is also plentiful evidence of digital addiction, particularly among teenagers and other vulnerable groups. As a result, research has focused on the amount of screen time that is acceptable for each age group, but there is not much in terms of concrete findings for adults by which to moderate one’s own usage. As such, it relies on the individual to understand how much is too much for their own good. And this, of course, may depend on many factors, such as whether the individual works on a screen as part of their day job, particular health vulnerabilities, and the amount of exercise and social interaction they engage in.
A healthy lifestyle
Wellbeing incorporates many factors and, of course, is specific to each of us. That said, it is widely accepted that certain factors cannot be ignored, such as social interaction, balanced diets, physical exercise and getting enough sleep. As soon as screen time begins to impinge on any of these non-negotiables, then it’s time to make a change. We may adapt and change our habits as we grow and evolve, but being conscious of their impact is vital. Contrary to the arguments made in some quarters, use of online slots can be one of the aspects of digital play that we enjoy, as long as that play is performed in moderation and with stringent limits on time and financial resources. As ever, awareness of these elements is key as we all continue to try and manage the balance between our digital and non-digital lives.
