In a world that never seems to stop, finding time to relax can be difficult. For children and adults alike, the constant buzz of screens, messages and digital noise can make it hard to unwind. Yet sometimes, the best way to de-stress is also the simplest: to close our eyes, listen, and finding calm through imagination.
What’s wrong with screen time?
Many studies have shown that high levels of screen time are linked to poor sleep, anxiety, and shorter attention spans. Constant scrolling keeps the brain alert, even when we want to rest. The blue light from phones and tablets can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms, making it harder to switch off at night.
For children, the effects can be even greater. The overstimulation of fast-moving games and videos can make the real world feel dull by comparison, leaving young minds restless. Too much time in front of a screen an be linked to behavioural problems. In young children it delay crucial communication, language, and problem-solving skills.
A House of Commons Committee report says there has been a 52% increase in children’s screen time between 2020 and 2022. One in five children aged between three and four years old have their own mobile phone, increasing to one in four children by age eight and to almost all children by age twelve. The amount of time those aged 5–15 years old spent online rose from an average of 9 hours per week in 2009, to 15 hours per week in 2018.
Why imagination brings calm
When we listen to a story, our minds shift gear. Instead of reacting to constant visuals, we create our own inner pictures. This gentle, creative focus helps slow breathing, ease tension and lower stress hormones.
Research into narrative therapy and guided imagery shows that stories can help children process emotions, build empathy and relax before sleep. It’s a natural form of mindfulness, one that families have shared for generations around firesides and bedtime.
The magic of sound
Music and sound play a huge part in this process. Calming rhythms and melodic tones trigger the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical that helps the body relax. In the same way that nature sounds, such as birdsong, waves, or rain, can soothe our senses, a beautifully produced audiobook offers a soundscape for peace.
Our own musical stories, including Lost on Infinity, combine sound, song and narration to create immersive listening experiences. Listeners have described them as journeys for the imagination, an escape from screens into a world of wonder, friendship, and hope.
Creating a calm listening space
A few simple steps can help turn listening time into a moment of calm:
- Dim the lights and find a comfortable spot.
- Encourage your child to close their eyes and picture the scenes as they unfold.
- Try gentle breathing before you begin.
- End the story session with quiet reflection, perhaps draw or write about what was heard.
These small rituals help make listening feel special and grounding.
Imagination as self-care
Imagination isn’t just play. It’s how the mind resets, rebalances and dreams. Taking time each day to unplug, even for a few minutes, can improve concentration, mood and sleep. And when sound and story combine, they offer a simple, powerful antidote to modern stress.
Discover more through story and song
Get the Lost on Infinity illustrated book with free musical audiobook on our website or through Amazon – it’s a totally immersive experience.
For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to our Stories, Science & Secrets podcast for kids. Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.
Biomimicry (learning from nature) is a fascinating classroom topic. You can read more about biomimicry and see all the discoveries we have documented in our Creatures’ Secrets Database.