Techlife Reimagined: Navigating Screen Time for Productivity and Well-being

Working as a technical lead in a tech company, my life is screens. Laptops, software, and coding dominate my daily life, making my screen time a significant portion of my day. However, my approach to personal screen time is quite different from my professional one. By strategically allocating time, I strive to maximize productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Professional Screen Time: A Productive Necessity

At Work: When I am fully immersed in my work, my screen time can easily reach 42 to 48 hours per week. Largely, this time is spent on essential activities such as programming, software development, and project management. I efficiently utilize my laptop to focus on intricate coding tasks and software development projects. This commitment to work ensures that I meet tight deadlines and deliver quality products to the team.

Personal Screen Time: A Balance of Pleasure and Productivity

Working from Home: On non-pandemic days, my personal screen time typically hovers between 1 to 2 hours on my phone and 8 to 9 hours on the computer. However, my screen time varies drastically during the pandemic. During lockdowns, I found myself frequently on my phone for extended periods, at times upwards of 5 to 6 hours a day, while my computer time decreased due to a lack of work.

Nighttime Enjoyments: When I feel bored at night, I turn to YouTube for entertainment. I abstain from social media apps and instead focus on productive activities, such as answering questions on Quora. By sharing my knowledge and expertise, I contribute positively to online forums, providing assistance to those in need. This form of screen time is more about helping than distracting, making it a meaningful use of my time.

Minimizing Unnecessary Screen Time

While I rely heavily on my phone and computer for both personal and professional reasons, I understand the importance of unplugging. According to my smart phone usage report, my daily screen time typically ranges between 2 to 4 hours. Although this time can feel generous, I still search for ways to reduce it. By dedicating some of this time to rest and relaxation, I can better maintain my well-being and mental health.

Striking a Balance

Pleasure vs. Productivity: My personal screen time is split into two categories: for pleasure and for productivity. For pleasure, I allocate around 1 to 2 hours a day, using social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and messaging apps. For productivity, I spend an additional 3 to 5 hours on my computer, primarily for writing, editing, and website work. Combining both, my total screen time for personal use is usually between 4 to 7 hours a day.

By thoughtfully managing my time, I aim to enhance my productivity and overall well-being. Technology is a tool, not a distraction. I believe in making the most of my time, be it at work or in my personal life, to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.