Here are some thoughts on how and why to reduce screen time:
-- Excessive screen time has been linked to various mental health concerns, including increased stress and reduced sleep quality.
-- A Digital detox can give your brain more space to think creatively, and may allow for new plans and opportunities to emerge.
-- Tech-free gifts and Tech-free activities can promote improved relationships as they provide more time for fun engagement, especially during times where kids are at home from school.

Why Choosing Less Screen Time This Holiday Season Can Bring More Joy
In today’s digital age, screen time has become a constant presence in our lives, shaping how we connect, learn, and unwind. While technology undoubtedly brings many benefits, the holiday season offers a perfect opportunity to unplug, reconnect with loved ones, and rediscover the joys of tech-free living with a tech-free holiday.

The Impact of Screen Time
Research continues to highlight the impact of excessive screen time on our mental health and relationships. For children, it can affect social skills, sleep quality, and emotional well-being. For adults, over-reliance on devices can lead to increased stress, reduced productivity, and less meaningful interaction with others, as well as reduced ability to fall asleep when used before bedtime.

By intentionally reducing screen time, we create space for experiences that nurture our minds, bodies, and relationships. Tech-free activities can enhance creativity, encourage movement, and deepen bonds with family and friends.

How to Encourage Tech-Free Time During the Holidays

1. Set Family Goals: Create a family plan for tech-free hours or days. Commit to shared activities like baking, playing board games, or crafting.
2. Lead by Example: Show children that reducing screen time is for everyone by putting your own devices aside.
3. Gift Creatively: Choose gifts that inspire imagination, learning, or connection rather than a new screen.

If you're looking for inspiration, Screenagers’ Tech-Free Holiday Gift Guide offers wonderful ideas for all ages. From puzzles and outdoor gear to books and hands-on activities, these gifts encourage creativity, connection, and exploration. Engaging in screen-free activities, such as family board games or outdoor adventures, can strengthen relationships and promote mindfulness.

The Benefits of a Tech-Free Holiday
Prioritizing tech-free time doesn’t mean rejecting technology—it’s about balancing its use with opportunities for meaningful moments. Unplugging during the holidays can help:

• Build Stronger Relationships: Less screen time means more time to bond over shared activities and create lasting memories.
• Promote Mindfulness: Without constant notifications, it’s easier to be present and enjoy the moment.
• Encourage Restful Breaks: The holidays are a time to recharge, and stepping away from screens helps us truly unwind.

Make It Personal
This holiday season, consider your own relationship with screens and the habits you want to cultivate. Small, intentional changes can lead to significant benefits. Whether it’s a tech-free dinner, a family hike, or a puzzle night, these moments remind us of the joy in simplicity and connection.

By choosing less screen time for yourself and others, you’re giving the greatest gift of all: your presence.

For more ideas and inspiration, check out the Screenagers Tech-Free Holiday Gift Guide to make this holiday season truly meaningful. [ This is NOT an affiliate link, I just really thought this was a good list.  :) - Dr. C ]

As a psychiatrist, I’ve spent years treating depression with every tool available—medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and more. Yet, I know there are patients for whom traditional treatments just aren’t enough. That’s why I decided to personally test out Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). While I didn’t undergo the full course of treatment, I wanted to know what the experience feels like for my patients when they sit in the chair and begin this innovative therapy.

TMS involves 36 sessions over six weeks, each about 20 minutes long. That’s only 12 hours total to target the debilitating symptoms of depression in a non-invasive way. During my test session, I felt a mild tapping sensation directly under the coil positioned on my scalp. It wasn’t painful, but it was noticeable, like a flicking sensation or muscle twitch. After a few minutes, the sensation became less distracting, and I understood how most patients describe it as tolerable. For those undergoing treatment, the mild discomfort often diminishes significantly as the scalp muscles adjust to being activated.

One of the most exciting aspects of TMS is how quickly many people notice improvement. Patients often report changes after just a few sessions—energy returning, a spark of hope reigniting, and the heavy cloud of depression starting to lift. While every individual’s response is different, this timeline is often much faster than what we see with other treatment options.

Testing TMS for myself helped me appreciate the precision and simplicity of the process. I now have a deeper understanding of what my patients experience during their journey, and it’s made me even more enthusiastic about offering this treatment.

If depression has held you back despite your best efforts, TMS might be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. It’s non-invasive, effective, and from what I’ve experienced, an approachable way to find relief.

If you are interested in learning more, please complete the PHQ-9 questionnaire here and we will reach out to you!  You are also welcome to fill out our New Patient Inquiry Form if you are ready to get started on your treatment journey today.