How to keep stress away? Cut screen time, rebuild family habits, says doctor

GURGAON: As the sun dipped on a breezy Sunday, residents of Palm Drive gathered for a conversation many knew they needed but rarely paused to have — how to step away from screens and reclaim healthier, calmer routines.

The first on-ground event of TOI’s nationwide ‘Let’s D-Stress’ initiative turned a familiar urban concern into an open, practical discussion on digital overload, family habits and mental balance.

The campaign aims to address India’s growing digital stress crisis by encouraging healthier everyday behaviour and helping people improve focus and emotional wellbeing. Sunday’s session was the first in a series of events designed to get people talking, sharing concerns and finding workable solutions.

The evening began with a stand-up act by comedian Raghav Mandava, whose sharp observations on social media overuse and the constant need to stay plugged in quickly drew the audience in. The conversation then moved to Dr Sameer Malhotra, principal director of mental health and behavioural sciences at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Saket.

Dr Malhotra urged people to realign their routines with nature and create phone-free moments through the day. “Can we begin with something small — one meal with the family where everyone keeps their phones aside and simply talks to each other,” he asked the audience.

He also advised against checking the phone first thing in the morning, using it before sleep, or carrying it into spaces such as the dining table and even the toilet. He warned that excessive social media use and screen dependence could contribute to serious mental health problems.

The discussion drew several questions, especially from parents keen to understand how to break unhealthy screen habits in children. Mitul Jain, who attended with his wife, said the session gave them useful guidance on building better habits for themselves and their young daughter.

As part of the initiative, TOI also offered a quiz to help participants assess their level of screen addiction. Many said they found the exercise useful. Another attendee, Pradip Parode, said he intended to follow the doctor’s advice and reduce his screen time.