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  • T Minus 16

Staying Off Screens: More Sleep, Less Stress

If you want to hit Basic Combat Training at your best, it’s time to power down. Late-night scrolling and constant notifications drain your focus, spike your stress, and wreck your sleep—the last things you need when preparing to become a Soldier. By setting boundaries now, you’ll sleep deeper, think clearer, and train your mind to stay sharp under pressure. In the Army, discipline isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Less screen time today means more strength, focus, and resilience when it counts.

Modern life runs on screens—from texts and social media to gaming and late-night YouTube scrolls. But as you prepare for Basic Combat Training, it’s time to break that habit. The Army demands mental sharpness, physical readiness, and the ability to focus under pressure—and too much screen time can chip away at all three.

Here’s how stepping away from your devices can improve your sleep, reduce stress, and prepare your mind for the military mindset.

Screens Mess With Your Sleep

Phones, tablets, and TVs emit blue light that tricks your brain into staying awake longer. Even 30–60 minutes of screen time before bed can delay your sleep and reduce your quality of rest. That matters—because in BCT, sleep is limited and valuable. Start training your body now by turning off screens at least one hour before bed to improve sleep quality and mental clarity.

Less Scrolling = Less Stress

Endless scrolling, doom-clicking, and comparing yourself to others on social media raises anxiety, even if you don’t realize it. Your attention gets pulled in 10 directions, leaving your mind tired and restless. Reducing screen time helps you regain control over your thoughts—something that becomes crucial when training under stress. A quiet mind is a sharper weapon.

Replace Screen Time With Recovery Time

Instead of staring at a screen in bed, use the last hour of your day to stretch, journal, prep your gear, read a physical book, or review your training goals. These habits help your nervous system wind down and create structure—something you’ll need every day in uniform. Use the time to recharge the right way.

Train Your Focus and Attention Span

BCT requires you to listen, retain information, and react quickly. If you’ve trained your brain to jump from app to app or screen to screen every few seconds, your focus will suffer. Cut out background noise while training, limit multitasking, and build your mental stamina the same way you build physical strength: through discipline and repetition.

Set Boundaries Now—You Won’t Have Screens at Basic

Here’s a reality check: at BCT, you won’t have your phone for most of training, with the exception of Sundays. No texts. No Instagram. No YouTube. If your mental health relies on that digital escape, it’s time to shift your habits. Start weaning off now and replacing screen time with real connection, movement, or rest—so you’re not in shock when it’s taken away.

Last Call

Screens can be a powerful tool—but when it comes to sleep, stress, and Soldier readiness, less is more. You don’t need to cut tech cold turkey, but creating stronger boundaries will give you a clearer mind, better rest, and more control over your day. Power down early. Train your focus. Build a stronger routine. The discipline you practice now is what sets you apart when it’s time to perform.

I’ll be back next week with more tips and guidance. Until then, Hooah!

SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)