As some of us enter the school year virtually – we are faced with a number of new challenges. Establishing new schedules. Finding ways to get our workouts in while expected to keep our kids on task. Dealing with a LOT of screen time. Surviving this crazy new normal.
Over the next few weeks I hope to be able to share some ideas on workouts, running, and other ways to get in exercise while managing our new role as a part time teacher. Today I want to address the screen time issue. I’ve always heard that the blue light waves from our technology could mess with our sleep – but I guess I never really worried about it until now that my kids are “required” to be in front of the screen 7 hours a day.
Check out this article about Tifosi’s Gaming Glasses and how they can help your kiddos. My kids just got theirs in the mail today and they LOVE them! They think they are fun and cool and my son said he’s actually excited about wearing them during virtual class tomorrow!
Want to snag a pair? Shop here: https://www.tifosioptics.com/?ref=sherunsthistown
Discount code: SRTT2020
Good through August 31st – receive 25% off, up to 4 items. The coupon is one-time use per person. The code is entered on the cart page before final checkout.
BLUE LIGHT: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE EFFECTS
Welcome to the digital age of technology, where we live in a world that revolves around screens. We are constantly connected to phones, computers, tablets, and video games that operate using LED background lighting that contains blue light. On average, most Americans spend 6 to 7 hours looking at screens, which renders to about half of your life gazing upon blue light.
THE GOOD
Contrary to myth, not all blue light is bad and it is actually everywhere. Sunlight, for example, is the main source of blue light and where we traditionally get the most exposure from it. Good wavelengths of light are on the blue-turquoise end of the electromagnetic spectrum and are known as essential blue light, this light is actually very beneficial to you. Essential blue light is important for non-visual functions like your sleep/wake cycle and mood. It provides small increases in alertness and cognitive function.
THE BAD
While there are good traits to blue light in our lives, too much of it can be a bad thing. Harmful wavelengths of light are on the blue-violet end of the spectrum and we are now exposed to a higher concentration of it more than ever before. Since 35% of the blue light we see is harmful, we face an increase risk of irreversible cell death in the in the external layer of the retina.
THE EFFECTS
Blue light penetrates all the way to the retina of the eye and because high energy blue light scatters more easily than other visible light, which is why the sky appears blue, it is not easily focused upon. So when you’re looking at screens or other digital devices that release blue light, your eyes strain to focus on the visual noise.
Symptoms of digital eye strain include:
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Sore, itchy eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Poor sleep
In serious cases of exposure to harmful blue light, you’re prone to vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration.
COMBAT HARMFUL BLUE LIGHT
To avoid straining your eyes and help with your sleep/wake cycle the best thing to do is to cut back on the blue light in your life.
- Limit your amount of screen time each day or at the very least avoid screens before bed and in the dark.
- Use the “20-20-20 rule”. This rules suggests that for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen; look at another object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These breaks lessen the strain on the eye.
- Invest in blue light filtering glasses. Tifosi Gaming Glasses filter harmful blue light while allowing essential blue light. The clear lens allows you to see true color on screens, unlike other blue-light lenses that tint everything yellow.
- Enable dark mode. Most cell phones have the capability to adjust the amount of blue light being emitted by switching to warmer colors.
Whether you’re in an office in front of a computer or a gamer battling enemies on Twitch, blue light effects us all at some point in our day. It is important to protect your eyes now from the potential threat of harmful blue light so that you’re better safe than sorry.
Tifosi Discount Code!
Also – we had so many requests for a new discount code so here it is! good through August 31st. It is for 25% off, up to 4 items. The coupon is one-time use per person. The code is entered on the cart page before final checkout.
https://www.tifosioptics.com/?ref=sherunsthistown
Code: SRTT2020
Good through August 15th receive 25% off, up to 4 items. The coupon is one-time use per person. The code is entered on the cart page before final checkout.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2018/08/13/americans-spend-half-their-lives-in-front-of-screens/
Great information. I didn’t know any of this. Looking into getting my husband a pair after learning about screen effects.
I love Tifosi and learning all of this makes me really want these for my Kindergartener!
We would love to try out these gaming glasses!!! I have 4 young kids & most of their schooling is done online.
I would like to try them myself because I have been on my screens more, with everything going on, & I did slip up on my fitness routine when this 2020 craziness all started. There were no races to train for, & I just lost my motivation. So thankful for my sole sisters though who have come alongside me & we are working on being better together. Right now my nutrition is in check & I’m logging further & faster miles.
My running goals for this year have changed~we were to run several races, including a marathon. Since they are all canceled or virtual, we are waiting. My focus for this year is to finish losing my extra weight. First goal is to lose my 5 year old in weight, & then run at least a 10k carrying him on my back, to symbolize what I have been carrying. I’ve done several 5k’s carrying him, but for this accomplishment I want a further distance!
No one can cancel this, or take this goal away from me.
I’ve been looking for a pair for myself and my two newly virtual kids. I’m excited to check these out. Thanks!
I had no idea they had blue light glasses! My gamer soon needs a pair.
As for exercise, I was really derailed until about three weeks ago, when I started doing at-home workout videos and walking with my mom. I’m still not very interested in running, with no races to look forward to, but I’ll get back to that when cooler fall weather arrives again.
I’ve continued running because sanity… and We started biking a lot more with the kids this summer since most of their normal organized sports were cancelled. It’s been fun going on adventures with them. 🙂
These glasses look neat!
Running has actually been my one “normal” throughout this time. No races, but up and running early to beat the heat and escape from the house/kids before my husband leaves for work.
Anxious how this fall is actually going to work with school…. but hopefully these glasses will help!!!
I love my Tifosi glasses and could use a new pair. They do not fog up when I am running or biking. Getting out in the Florida Sun without my handy pair of Tifosi’s is rough!
Looks great. Would love to try these.
Oh these look awesome! Would live to have a pair for my kids. And I am forever misplacing my own sunglasses.
Oldest got to play baseball, both older kids have been jogging with us on occasion.
I’ve always wondered about blue light glasses! I didn’t realize Tifosi made them!
I just started looking into blue light glasses. Thanks for the info!
I did a run streak from Memorial Day to July 4. I have since slacked but just committed to another run streak from Labor Day to thanksgiving!
I’ve continued to run! Got my hubby involved and walking our puppy 3-5 miles a day!!
My k8ddos definitely need this. As for excercise, I stopped entirely running and working out at the beginning of the pandemic but then got myself together and went back to running and added cross training every other day. Im trying to complete 1000 miles in 2020 as my goal to keep me motivated
I’ve been wanting a pair for running, I love their styles!
We need some of these in my house!
With virtual learning and working from home…heck, I’ve been staring at a computer while in the office too! And I know my eyesight is still deteriorating. I need to get myself some blue light glasses. This would be amazing
I absolutely love my Tifosis!!!!! I now have an “aviator” style that I wear everyday!!
Love these, so comfortable. Can’t ever have too many!
Great information! I love my tifosi glasses and would love to try their blue light glasses!
I have been looking for some blue light glasses! Thanks for the suggestion!!
Definitely need to look into these for my son
Wow! It sounds like we should all be wearing these.
Love my Tifosi glasses!! I need to check out the gaming glasses.
I love my glasses for running, they are so comfortable. I get headaches at work frequently. Can’t wait to try the blue light glasses.
I run for my mental health. With 2 kids under 5 it’s important to have time for myself. I’d love to try a pair of these while running instead of squinting.
Trying to stay active by doing bike rides with the kids a few evenings a week. After almost 2 years off running, j also laced up my shoes and started running again!! Much needed for my soul! (And waistline lol)!
I’ve actually been running more than ever. Took a break since work as an exercise instructor was physically hard. And then was wimpy about winter this year. With everything closed, running was a great stress reliever and way to stay fit I do take breaks here and their but have found it to be a great help with mood and anxiety.
Quarantine has made me slip back on running but as a family we are hiking a lot. We have checked out so many new places and started collecting beach glass. Always have my Tifosi glasses with me!
I love my other Tifosi sunglasses for running and leisure. I spend a lot of time on a computer for work so the blue light glasses sounds great.
I love my Tifosi’s and I can’t wait to get my son’s pair for the computer.
What a great idea to help all of us during virtual schooling. I’m hoping the kids being back on a schedule will help me get back on a workout schedule!
Love, love, love my running sunglasses! Can’t wait to try the blue light glasses!
I love my Tifosi sunglasses, and considering trying these blue light glasses for the family! Over the course of the pandemic, I’ve been active with running, spin, and burn workouts in fits and spurts. Just trying to keep it together!
I love your sunglasses! Great article
This is great! I have definitely noticed changes in my eyes/vision after 15 years of working in the medical field and using a computer for 90% of my daily activities. Definitely something to be thinking about with the kiddos online for school all day and then unwinding with “fun” screentime playing video games with friends for another 30 to 60 minutes a day. Looks like I have some shopping to do!!
Love Tifosi sunglasses, I always recommend them. They are good quality and reasonably priced!
I’ve always wanted to try these for work. I definitely need to get a pair for my son though!
Would love to try some Tifosi glasses!
A long time ago, before running, I was an avid bicycle rider. I had a pair of Tifosi sunglass that I literally wore out! I’m guessing I had them 5+ years. It would be great to have a new pair for running/walking!
I’d love to grab a pair of these glasses! While the pandemic hasn’t exactly been enjoyable, I’m so thankful for the time I’ve had working from home—this has allowed me to run more regularly that I normally would have.
I’ve been wanting to slack, I can’t lie, but my running partner gives me these big baby sad eyes if I go anywhere near her leash. So it keeps me motivated! I can’t say no to her too many days in a row ? I’ve not owned a pair of trifosi glasses before and the bluelight ones sound great
I absolutely love their running sunglasses! I would love another pair and these look great for the kiddo’s online learning. I wish I would of had some when I was doing my college online.
I would love to try those glasses as I have never had a pair before?♀️ It would definitely keep me motivated to run??♀️??♀️
I would love to try a pair on during my runs and walks!
I would love to try them on during my runs and Walks?.
I love my Tifosi sunglasses. These would be great for everyone in my family , as we are doing distance learning.
I’ve been running with my kids and its forced me to slow down a lot. I suffer from anxiety so while it hasn’t been easy I’m thankful for it forcing me to learn new coping mechanisms. On my solo runs I listen to music to help relax me.
Just started running again this month after letting quarantine get me down for a while. I’d love to try these glasses!
I think the most consistent thing during all of this craziness has been getting in my workouts. The best thing I found was all the free youtube workouts that I didn’t know existed. I don’t know if I’m going back to my gym after this.
Just bought two pair for running! I absolutely love them!!!
Such great info, I’ll definitely be sharing!
Wow ! Thanks for the info 🙂
Thanks for the codes! I thought I lost my tifosi sunglasses the other day, so think maybe I need a backup to make sure I’m never without!
Been running a lot with the kids on their bikes! We are all getting better at it!
I’d love to have an opportunity to try them!
I’ve been staying active by walking, running, and using my elliptical to ensure that I get my step count goal in! Not easy in this Texas heat. ?
Interesting info. I didn’t realize macular degeneration could be an adverse effect of the excess screen time
I’ve been staying active by taking 4-6 mile hikes four to 5 times a week, as well as bike rides with my kids.
I went full force, but I overdid it and I have been plagued with injuries. I did start cross training adding biking, walking, and strength training.
Covid has more than hindered my running. The gym was closed and I was at home alone trying to get 2 boys through virtual school. My running took the back seat. Found lots of excuses to skip runs over the summer, but time to get back at it! I always feel my best when I’m in a regular running pattern! ?♀️♥️
I just posted on my FB page earlier this evening asking for suggestions on non-prescription blue lenses to wear while teaching after having my eyes act super weird after I left campus today. Staring at screens all day is not my idea of fun. ?
Love my running and gaming glasses. They always disappear because others like them too!
We absolutely love our Tifosi sunglasses and gamer glasses!
Lots of good Info… I’m wondering if prescription glasses can come with this as well.
I plan to get back to hiking and running as soon as I am healed from injuries. The mask requirement is not as stringent outdoors. I feel immense freedom when I’m outside after a long day staring at screens cooped up in my home.
I started running more during the pandemic. I really took advantage of the time to get back to something I never thought I would love. Our local chapter has a standing Saturday Morning group run that has been such a fantastic inspiration and encouragement that they convinced me to sign up for the team Fall 50 Run in Door County Wi, 5 strong women and 50 miles we got this!!! They even convinced me I can do a half marathon this year too so Bellin Women’s Half in October it is!! I just love all strength, encouragement, inspiration and fun they have provided me with. I am so lucky to be a part of it and love to share it with others.
I love my Tifosi sunglasses! I use the measurements of these glasses for all my others! The best!
Can’t wait to run and cycle in my tifosi!
I totally need these!! Thanks for sharing about them!
These look awesome – and with all the running I’ve done, including helping my daughter train and run her first 5K this past June – they’d definitely come in handy!
Thanks for this information!!
So Excited to try these out! They are definitely gonna be helpful this school year with all this virtual learning.
Love the science behind this! Need to take care of our eyes!!
I keep trying to do my 20 miles a week!! It’s my Covid running ?? plan.
Need good shades!!
I’ve been thinking about trying these. Great information!
Would love to see the tips on scheduling exercise. With the kids at home 100% of the time it’s more challenging than ever!
So lucky not to be working in front of a computer any more and to be working with young children! ?
Love my Tifosi shades!
I love tifosi!
Great information, thank you! I definitely need to try these for the whole family. Tifosi glasses are amazing:)!
Love my Tifosi sunglasses. Really intrigued by all I’ve heard about blue light and fatigue!
I didn’t even think of something like this for my virtual learner! I have been interested in trying this product too.
Thank you for the chance.
I would love to give these a try! I have problems with sunglasses when I run do to sweat. They tend to travel down my nose & I am constantly pushing them back up.
I have backed off of running long miles, but maintained 3-4 miles. Now that my youngest is back in school and her ROTC program is going, she has asked me to help her. So she and I have implemented a workout plan that will help me build mileage/add muscle and build a strong foundation for her.
I’ve been training for my first full marathon, which I still plan to do virtually. Having contests in our local MRTT/SRTT chapter has helped, and I’ve been able to do some physically distant group runs with another running club I belong to. Staying active has helped me stay sane through this whole thing.
I trained for my 2nd half marathon that was cancelled and trained for a 4 hour trail race that was cancelled. I also was home with my boys for 2 months. I even had them running for gym class.
Lots of good info. Virtual school just started today so I might need to check these out for my kids.
Looking forward to seeing these out!!
I have been doing an exercise program six days a week and also going on walks with my dog everyday. I am trying to get in more exercise than I was pre pandemic.
Such great info! I’d love to try these with my two school-aged kiddos.
My son and I are both doing virtual school (he’s starting 7th, I’m going back for a new career)- these glasses would be great for us, as we are in front of the screen for hours at a time now.
Great information that many don’t know about.
so much awesome info! Thank you for sharing – I’m going to get some of these!
I would love to try a pair of these awesome glasses! Thanks for the all the info!
As a teacher and a parent, I’d love to try out the gaming glasses! Virtual school just started today!
I think these glasses will be necessary for the upcoming year.
I love my glasses for running but would love some blue light blockers.
I just entered the contest. I have a pair of Tifosi Sunglasses that I still run in from 2010. I was just having an online discussion about blue light glasses with some other Moms. This Tifosi giveaway and blog post is very timely!
Yay! This is exciting! I’ve been staying active in almost any way I can! I’ve been hiking in the early morning…running in the evenings…and I joined a CrossFit gym that is still open!!! I need something to keep the stress moving and not get stuck! This last weekend I just ran ina. Virtual 12 hour relay with 5 other mother runners!!! Such a BLAST!!!
Thanks so much!
I worry about my kids and the extra time they are spending looking at screens during online learning! I know blue light blocking glasses help me and I bet they’d help my kids too!
Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been worried about my kids’ overexposure to screens as well. I will be ordering some of these.
I have been running outside.
We have been biking and also sweating it out with “Just Dance”! I also ordered some of the gaming glasses – love them!
Thanks for the reminder on the “20-20-20” rule. We’ll need to start using that at home!
I have been running all this time, 10K almost everyday??♀️?♀️?♀️?♀️.
I’ve been running every day, more now than I did before. The nice summer weather might have something to do with it, but hopefully I can keep it going this winter!
I’ve tried to stay active. But work has been crazy busy through all of this. I especially try to run when I’m stressed to help it go away. Love running!
Thanks for this info! I didn’t know all of that about blue light. I’ve been trying to find a new brand of running glasses. Maybe this is the one!