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Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your phone for hours, only to realize the day has slipped away? You're not alone—whether it's work, study, or Netflix, screen time dominates our lives. It's crucial, however, to consider how this extensive tech use affects our brains and overall well-being.

The adult brain on screens

Recent research shows that adults are not immune to the negative effects of excessive screen use:

• 💭 Cognitive Impact: It turns out that those who spend more than two hours a da recreationally on screens might experience some thinning of the cerebral cortex, which could influence memory, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• 😟 Mental Health Concerns: There’s a growing connection between excessive screen use and an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and feelings of social isolation among adults.

• 😴 Sleep Disruption: The blue light from screens can throw a wrench in melatonin production, disturbing our natural sleep patterns and overall brain health.

• 😵‍💫 Reduced Attention Span: With the rise of social media and the demand for instant gratification, many of us are finding our attention spans getting shorter, making it harder to focus on tasks that require sustained concentration.

Strategies to reduce screen time

It’s not about eliminating screens, but about creating healthier habits. Here are some simple strategies:

1. ⏯️ Set Screen Time Limits: Use built-in smartphone features to track and limit your screen time for a more balanced daily routine.

2. 🚫 Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas like your bedroom or dining room as tech-free zones to encourage healthier activities like reading or having meaningful conversations.

3. ⌛️ Schedule Breaks: Try the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. Use this time to rest your eyes, stretch, or take a quick walk.

4. 🎨 Engage in Offline Activities: Rediscover hobbies like painting, cooking, or sports to enhance your mood and spark some creativity away from screens.

By taking small steps to manage your screen use, you’ll feel more balanced, focused, and in control of your time. Try spending some time offline toda - even just a few minutes can make a big difference. 🦋

LifeAt: Focusing together ✨

LifeAt is your virtual focusing space where you can stay productive with our Pomodoro timer, work in beautiful calming spaces, and enjoy customizable audioscapes. Use the built-in calendar to organize tasks, while video calls and chat keep you connected with others from around the world.

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Real or AI 🤖

Hi guys! Thanks for tuning in to this week’s Real or AI game - last week, we had you try your hand at guessing which of those pumpkin cream cheese muffins was real.

75.78% of you guessed correctly & picked the second image as the REAL muffins! 🎉 You did it!

This week, I (Rorrie) played Spirit City Lofi and was inspired by their new witchy Halloween vibe. Imagine a dark, rainy night as you craft potions to sell at the local market. You grab your favorite spell book, set up your table, and get to work… but something feels off with your setup..

have a happy week 🙂 
rorrie 🌱 & devin 🌎