🏁 Productivity
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May 9, 2024
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5 min read
Screens or Books? That's the question. Well, do many people still read books or novels over scrolling? And if so, what's their secret?
Screens have gradually woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives, often replacing traditional activities and redefining how we approach relaxation and leisure. In this era where screens dominate, let's focus on a fundamental question: how can we relax without screens?
Here at Jomo, we read every day. We delve into different types of books: fiction, self-development, technical books. And we work on an app, so I guarantee you, you don't want to see my Mac's Screen Time. But you see, you can work in tech and read every day—it's possible! 😬
The Digital Invasion
Screens, whether in the form of smartphones, tablets, or computers, have replaced many of our conventional pastimes. The transformation of these activities from analog to digital formats has significantly altered how we experience them.
For example, the act of reading a book, once a cherished pastime, has shifted towards shorter, illustrated summaries. Films, too, have found new life in the era of streaming services, often leading to binge-watching sessions. Even the way we enjoy music has evolved. Gone are the days of listening to complete albums; instead, we stream individual songs. The question arises: with so many leisure activities condensed into screens and digitized formats, how can we rediscover traditional, screen-free relaxation?
While it might sound unconventional in this digital age, reading a book remains an excellent means of relaxation and productivity. Just 30 minutes of daily reading can exert a profoundly positive influence on your health, encompassing aspects such as sleep, mood, and concentration.
Benefits of Reading
💤 Improved Sleep
By constantly being connected, it's common to struggle with sleep-related issues. Excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can disrupt our circadian rhythms. The blue light emitted by screens inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. The result is often restless nights and sleep deprivation.
Reading, on the other hand, provides a gentle transition from the day's activities to a restful slumber. The tactile experience of holding a book and the absence of screen make it an ideal pre-sleep ritual. And, on top of that, you're sure not to receive any notifications from your book!
🌼 Enhancing Mood
The relentless stream of information from screens can contribute to stress and anxiety. Reading offers an escape into different worlds and narratives, providing a break from the demands of everyday life. It allows you to immerse yourself in characters and stories, evoking a range of emotions that can be therapeutic. Whether it's the thrill of an adventure, the laughter from a humorous story, or the reflection inspired by a philosophical work, reading can improve your mood and overall emotional well-being.
👓 Increased Concentration
The incessant notifications and multitasking associated with screen time have been shown to reduce attention spans. Reading, with its sustained focus on a single narrative, acts as an exercise for the mind. It enhances concentration and sharpens cognitive abilities. By delving into a book, you're training your brain to maintain attention on a single task, a skill that has become increasingly valuable in the era of the attention economy.
🍫 Learning to Manage Effort and Reward
With all the distractions around us, instant gratification has become the new “normal”. We've grown accustomed to quick fixes and immediate rewards. Reading, in its slower, more deliberate nature, teaches us to savor the journey and appreciate the effort that goes into understanding a story. The gradual unfolding of a narrative and the eventual reward of a well-finished book can be a valuable lesson in patience and delayed gratification.
🔠 Language Improvement
The power of reading is often underestimated. But reading is also a way to learn more vocabulary, to improve grammar and syntax. You pick up so much without even realizing it. Becoming someone interesting isn't just about knowing things; it's also about being able to communicate and express them effectively.
Finding Your Reading Niche
If you're among those who claim not to enjoy reading, it's essential to recognize that books come in an astonishing variety of styles, genres, and themes. Saying you don't like reading is like saying you don't like vegetables. Just as there are countless ways to prepare and enjoy vegetables, there is a book for everyone, regardless of their preferences.
Whether it's the format, subject matter, narrative style, or the author's unique voice, there is something within the world of literature that resonates with each individual. Exploring different genres, from thrillers to romance, science fiction to historical non-fiction, can be an exciting journey of self-discovery.
Go further with App Blocking
Sometimes just motivation isn’t enough and we need an extra help to be more focused.
🔒 Block Distractions Until You've Hit Your Reading Goal
Sometimes motivation isn't enough, and we need a little help to get off the phone. For that, you can download the Jomo app for free. Recently, we introduced an AMAZING new rule that will easily fix this problem: "Good Apps First.
The goal is to force yourself to use a specific app before you can switch to another. It's like a sort of contract with yourself. For me, reading wasn't very natural at first, so I set this condition.
In exchange for 15 minutes on the "Books" app, I allowed myself to use YouTube. Not a bad deal, right?
1️⃣ Go to Jomo, then to Rules > Conditions and tap the ➕ button at the bottom.
2️⃣ Then select "To unblock", then "Good Apps First".
3️⃣ In "Daily use reaches," set the daily time budget (we set 15 minutes by default, which is actually a pretty reasonable amount).
4️⃣ In "On…", choose the "Books" app (or Medium, for example—anything involving reading!).
5️⃣ In "Unblock" > "Apps & Websites," list the apps you want to block.
6️⃣ Adjust the rest to your preference, then add it!
Quickly and without much hassle, not only will your screen time decrease, but you'll also find that reading isn't as hard as you might think, especially when you ease into it. Often, people start off too ambitiously: they pick a book that's too large, they read while distracted by their phones, or they try to read too much in one sitting and become overwhelmed. Let's leave those problems behind!
Bonus tip: To form a new habit, it's said that it takes anywhere from 21 to 66 days on average. So, give yourself time to enjoy the journey. And don't hesitate to increase your daily reading time if you're feeling ready!
For me, I typically read for 15 minutes during breakfast. I love starting my day by learning something new!
Even though screens, especially video content, have become a significant part of our lives, it's important not to neglect slower activities. Reading is one of the best ways to both relax and broaden your knowledge—whether it's general knowledge or learning new vocabulary, grammar, and language skills. Since English isn't my first language, I've been reading many books to improve. It's incredibly helpful. And if I get stuck on a word, I simply press and hold on it, and my iPhone shows me the translation and definition immediately. No excuses!