Learning English Listening Lesson 4 – Taking a Break from Screens

Ready for one more learning english training? Let’s do so and also learn the benefits of reducing the time spent on screens.

Do you spend many hours looking at screens? Phones, computers, TVs, and tablets are part of modern life, and we use them for almost everything — working, studying, talking to friends, and relaxing. But did you know that taking a break from screens is important for your health?

This easy article is designed for learning English while understanding how screen time affects your life and how to balance it.

Why Are Screens Everywhere?

Today, most activities involve screens:

• Work and study happen on computers.
• Communication happens on phones.
• Entertainment is on TVs, YouTube, and social media.
• Shopping, banking, and learning are online.

Screens help with many things but spending too much time on them can cause problems.

How Too Much Screen Time Affects You

Spending long hours looking at screens can affect:

• Eyes: Eye strain, dryness, and headaches.
• Sleep: Blue light from screens makes it harder to sleep.
• Body: Neck pain, back pain, and less physical activity.
• Mind: More stress, anxiety, and less focus.
• Relationships: Less time with family and friends in real life.

Benefits of Taking a Break from Screens

When you take regular breaks from screens, you feel better. Benefits include:

• Better sleep: No screens before bed improves rest.
• Relaxed eyes: Resting your eyes reduces discomfort.
• Less stress: More real-world activities bring calm.
• More energy: Moving your body feels great.
• Improved mood: Less scrolling, more happiness.

How to Reduce Screen Time?

Here are simple ways to take breaks from screens:

1. Use the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away (about 6 meters) for 20 seconds. This helps your eyes relax.

2. Have No-Screen Times

Set moments with no screens, like:

• During meals
• Before bed
• The first hour after waking up

3. Go Outside

Walk, exercise, or sit in nature. Fresh air and natural light are good for your health.

4. Do Offline Activities

Read a book, cook, draw, play music, or talk with family and friends.

5. Turn Off Notifications

Disable notifications from apps so you’re not always checking your phone.

6. Set Screen Limits

Use apps or phone settings to limit time on social media, games, or streaming.

What to Do Instead of Screens?

Here are fun things you can do without screens:

• Exercise or go to the gym
• Go for a walk in the park
• Visit a friend or family member
• Practice meditation or yoga
• Cook new recipes
• Read a physical book or write in a notebook
• Learn something new — like learning English with real-life conversations!

Find Balance

Screens can help you learn English, but balance is key.

• Use screens to listen to podcasts, watch English videos, or read articles (like this one!).
• But remember to also practice speaking in real life, write on paper, or listen without looking at a screen — like walking while listening to audio lessons.

A good balance helps your brain and your learning process.

Why Taking a Break Makes Life Better

When you reduce screen time, you reconnect with yourself and the world around you. You sleep better, feel happier, and have more time for things that really matter — your health, your family, your friends, and your learning.

Practice Time!

To improve your listening skills, begin the quiz and respond to these questions.

Watch the video below to improve your English. Try to understand everything that is said as you watch it both with and without subtitles.

Vídeo do canal CBC News — assista mais no canal oficial

Vocabulary