Be a Kid Again Day on July 8 was founded to remind adults of the carefree aspects of childhood – and encourage you to take a break from your responsibilities and do something that brings you joy.

This year, why not celebrate by putting your tech away? Pocket your phone, lower that laptop lid and silence the streaming services so that you can focus on activities that restore your sense of childhood wonder.

Here are just a few ideas for activities that recapture the magic of childhood. Involve the whole family if you can!

• Play mini golf
• Blow bubbles
• Make chalk art on the sidewalk
• Play in the playground
• Visit a local park or zoo
• Go to a local beach or swimming pool
• Hula hoop and jump rope
• Jump on a trampoline (safely)
• Go roller-skating
• Run through the sprinkler
• Go bowling
• Play backyard baseball

Let Be a Kid Again Day inspire you to make a regular habit of putting your tech down. Here’s why:

• You might sleep better. The blue light from screens creates more alertness than warmer light tones. And it tricks your brain into thinking it’s earlier in the day. Stop using screens at least two hours before bedtime to avoid disrupting your sleep cycle.
  
  
• Your neck and spine will thank you. Bending your head over a screen for long periods of time puts extra pressure on your neck and spine. This could lead to a repetitive strain injury known as “tech neck” that could cause neck pain, shoulder pain, upper back pain, chronic headaches and increased curvature of the spine.
  
  
• You might become more physically fit. Swapping all that sitting and scrolling for activities that get you up and moving can help you lose weight and stay in better shape.
  
  
• Your mood might improve. Using screens for long periods has been associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders in adults and children, so it’s a good idea to limit your screen time. Plus, physical activity is a proven mood booster.
  
  
• Your eyes could feel better. There’s no solid evidence that using devices will permanently damage your eyes, but you could experience discomfort such as dry eyes, blurry vision, a headache or tearing or watery eyes after staring into the screen for long periods of time.

Make Be a Kid Again Day the first step toward setting boundaries on your screen time. You may just find that with less tech, you have a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Sources:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Massage Therapy Association
National Sleep Foundation
Ohio State Health and Discovery