How much time should we pend in front of a computer (when our work depends on being online)?
I probably spend more than 10 hours a day at my computer… and I know it’s not ideal. It is actually bad.
It has quite a few negative effects – on our eyes, posture, stress levels, and overall well-being.
Even though I try to balance it with activities like going outside or exercising, it still feels like it’s not enough.
Makers, how many hours do you spend at your computer every day, and how do you give yourself permission to step away from it?
I think this is especially challenging for people working in social media. Your job requires you to scroll through endless content, deal with information overload, communicate with people, and stay constantly connected. Then after work, you often end up using social media again for your own personal interests.
How do you create healthy boundaries when being online is literally part of your job?
Replies
Question on timing — if you're prepping a first launch, how many days out should you start being active in discussions before it stops looking like 'just here for launch week' and starts looking genuine? Trying to figure out where that line actually is.
@johnson_obodo Haha! Tell me about it. It's tough coming off as genuine considering someone like me only just discovered this community. But I suppose you can be a part of any discussion as long as you have something to say. :)
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@johnson_obodo To be honest, I would start somewhere at least 3 months before :)
@johnson_obodo @busmark_w_nika Frankly, I'm taking notes on every thread you start. But this is the most shocked I have been. Never thought we would have to start 3 months before launch. Better start asap :)
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@johnson_obodo @sonal_waghchoure a lot of work ahead :)
@johnson_obodo @busmark_w_nika @sonal_waghchoure Yes, three months ahead makes perfect sense. Build a small community of early testers and or adopters too. That'd make launch easier.
I used to think the solution was simply spending less time in front of the screen.
Now I see it differently.
The real challenge isn't screen time—it's context switching.
Every notification, every tab, every feed asks your brain to become someone else for a few seconds. By the end of the day, it's not just your eyes that are tired—it's your sense of direction.
I've started treating attention as a finite resource rather than an unlimited one. Instead of asking, "How many hours did I spend online?" I ask, "How many of those hours moved me toward something meaningful?"
Sometimes 10 focused hours are healthier than 4 fragmented ones.
For me, the healthiest boundary isn't always stepping away from the computer. It's protecting the quality of attention while I'm using it.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@foued_sendi We do not need more time, we need less distractions :)
@busmark_w_nika
@foued_sendi Have you read Deep Work by Cal Newport? It's not really everyone's cup of tea, but it almost says the same thing. Focused attention and training your mind to think that certain things are meant for doing a certain task only. E.g., keeping all your spaces separate, sitting only at the work desk for replying to emails and not on the phone. No phones in the room where you work. Same eating place.
@sonal_waghchoure
@foued_sendi I agree. The issue is often less about total screen time and more about fragmented attention. A long, focused session can feel far less draining than constantly jumping between notifications, tabs, and feeds.
Dial
the boundary that actually worked for me wasn't a screen time limit, it was moving anything read-only (news, notifications, feeds) to my phone and keeping the laptop for output only. doesn't cut total hours but it changes what those hours feel like, staring at a screen while actively building something is a completely different kind of tired than doom-scrolling for the same two hours
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@omri_ben_shoham1 Well, but when you have your phone for checking things... isn't it even worse for your eyes and attention? :D
First, your health is very important. So as long as you're moving, exercising, using the correct sitting posture, eating well and standing at intervals, you should be okay. But then, get photochromic glasses if you spend a lot of time in front of your computer. You shouldn't damage your eyes just because you're grinding. You might also want to get a smart watch while at it. I have one that monitors my vitals and tells me when I've been sitting for too long. That too works and keeps you alive and healthy while you build.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@oluwanifemi_oluwadamilare The thing is that I am also losing my hair, I think that there can be a correlation (actually stress from work)
@busmark_w_nika There may be. You'd need to do more research or talk to a doctor about that too.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@oluwanifemi_oluwadamilare I have been in 2 different ones; now gonna to another. It is very hectic and frustrating.
@busmark_w_nika I'm sorry you're going through so much stress and hope you get it figured out soon. It's not easy balancing your building phase with all these other issues, but I believe you'd push through.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@pranay19 It seems that more people spend a half day at the desk, why then only I have these problems with health? :D
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@pranay19 well, my hair started falling, I think that in women is not very good or common. :D
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@pranay19 Maybe, but I have already been on vacay but it didn't help. Have several appointments with doctors.
I can definitely relate to this. Most days I spend well over 10 hours in front of my computer, and while I make time for walks or exercise, I've realized that one hour of activity doesn't completely offset sitting at a desk for the rest of the day.
What has helped me most is treating breaks as part of my work instead of something that takes time away from it. Even a short walk, stepping outside for fresh air, or simply looking away from the screen for a few minutes makes a noticeable difference.
I also think people who work in social media have an even bigger challenge. When your job requires you to be online all day, it's difficult to mentally "clock out." Creating intentional offline time—without notifications or endless scrolling—seems just as important as getting enough exercise.
Thanks for bringing this up. It's a reminder that building sustainable habits is just as important as building products.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@mark_anthony_magleo So... how many hours do you stare at the screen? :D
@busmark_w_nika I usually stare at the screen for about 15~16 hours. (;D
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@mark_anthony_magleo Ufff. that's a lot :D (but I am not any different some days) :D
I spend hours without even realizing it
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@josephyoung1 Can you share the exact stats?
I also spend more than 10 hours but it is mostly focused on between 7am-8pm. I have no screen time after 8pm or before 7 am (I get up several hours before 7am). In my office, I setup a walking pad so that I can walk a few times during the day while reading or listening to something.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@shehideay are you working from your home office or your work office? Because when it is home office, it is harder to set up those times.
@busmark_w_nika My work office. I am lucky enough to have a work office with closed doors and enough space.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@shehideay That's the better part so you can know when to stop – office = work, home = chill. I have work at home, so it is very difficult for me :D
@busmark_w_nika Yeah, I hear you. I don't know what a good solution would be when you work at home. At least you will need much stronger willpower and discipline to do things that would be much easier if you've worked in an office environment.
I spend more time working on computer than sleeping :/
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@nolwenn_grivet That is my case too. Unfortunately, 4 or 5 hours of sleep, rest, work.
@busmark_w_nika I see two solutions : prioritize tasks or delegate.
But I'll admit, it's not always easy !
I feel this question should have completely different answers based on age, activity levels, and current health. In any case, it's easy to lose track of time, but 100 steps every 2 hours for snack breaks and water refills helps me just a little bit. Although I do wish I had a workout routine in place!
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@sonal_waghchoure Actually, I have a workout space in my home, so at least, I have some place to "chill" :D