Replace that screen time

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 NLT

In an article titled “6 Reasons You Always Wake Up Tired, According to Sleep Experts” published by Runner’s World on Monday, the writer said “ It’s probably time to switch up your habits if you’re consistently groggy.” Interestingly enough, one of the sleep-disrupting habits listed was too much blue light exposure. Whether you want to believe it or not, your screen time seriously impacts your sleep, especially the quality of it. Yet many of us engage in what Tucker calls “revenge bedtime procrastination,” or the decision to stay up after a busy day to partake in the leisure activities we’d otherwise miss out on (i.e. scrolling, watching TV) instead of sleep. “Using computers, tablets, cell phones, and TVs too close to bedtime can inhibit melatonin release and delay sleep onset, so it’s best to shut them down an hour before bed to avoid extra exposure,” says Dr. Polos. 

And you know, when it comes to the benefits of avoiding excessive blue light exposure at bedtime so that we can get a good night’s sleep, you and I would do well to heed the words of Joshua who said, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night….” That means that replacing nightly screen time with Bible study and meditation time (open the actual Bible and not the app) will not only ensure that you and I wake up refreshed and ready to serve the Lord but will give us the knowledge needed to obey everything written in the “Book of Instruction.” This in turn will cause us to prosper and succeed in all that we do. Is that a win-win or what?

So follow the advice of the experts about screen time my friend and turn those computers, tablets, cell phones, and TVs off at least an hour before bed. Then pick up your Bible and study it carefully for that hour. Morning will not only find you rested up by doing so but Worded up as well. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that spending time in the Word has greater value than anything we could ever watch on a screen. Give us a hunger for meditating on the Scriptures Lord that we might grow in knowledge, righteousness and peace. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!