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It's hard to imagine a world without technology. From the moment we wake up until we go to bed, we are constantly engaging with technology in some way or another. While there are many benefits to using technology, it also has a lot of adverse effects on our health. This blog post will explore how technology impacts our health and what we can do to mitigate the negative impacts.
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Sleep Patterns
We are constantly surrounded by technology, and it's easy to become dependent on it. Without the stimulation of devices, we may feel anxious or uncomfortable when our minds crave something new during those times between awake and asleep — but what is better for you than getting some shut-eye?
The obsession with staying up late far outweighs any benefits from indulging in entertainment media at an earlier hour; this leads many people to have trouble sleeping, which affects their entire body function.
Vision and Hearing
We all know that discomfort at the back of your neck or the slight headache results from staring off into space for too long. There are many reasons this can happen, but large amounts of screen-time certainly do not help. The daily staring at screens can lead to eye strain, which results in dry eyes and can have even more significant implications elsewhere throughout one's body — like having trouble hearing properly (and therefore learning). So next time you are feeling tired after working hard on a project, don't just take up meditation just yet — take a break from the screen and grab some fresh air instead!
We often wear headphones all day to listen to music or take work calls. While it may seem like an excellent alternative, wearing them can result in hearing issues because we listen to things too loudly and for extensive periods, damaging our eardrums and, therefore, our ability to hear sounds properly. Hindrances in hearing could also result in balance problems in the future — and even potentially dangerous falls as loss of hearing is directly linked to vestibular issues (falls/balance) in the later years.
Posture
When we look at our phones and computers, do you notice how turned away from the world it makes us? This is because of what's called "tech-neglect." Tech-neglect can lead to musculoskeletal issues like back pain or neck strain by causing bad posture after prolonged technology use. If you notice your body slumping into an unhealthy position while scrolling or staring at a screen, take a moment to straighten your posture — it will pay off down the road!
Sedentary Periods
We all know that sitting for too long can be bad news. It's hazardous when we do it at home or work, where the risk of cardiovascular disease is increased compared to being on your feet with activity-based metabolism (ABM). The same thing happens here — sedentary behavior has been linked to many health issues such as obesity and increased inflammation levels, leading to chronic diseases like heart failure, so make sure you mix some movement into your day.
Mental Health
Social media has become the new television. We are constantly scrolling through our feeds on social platforms looking for something that will make us feel better (or worse) about ourselves. However, when you compare your life with others who seem to have it all —a perfect marriage, children going off to college without any problems — you can quickly feel down because yours seemingly doesn't measure up! Of course, social media only tells the best part of the story, creating unrealistic expectations, leading to depression or even isolation if left unchecked. So be conscious of the kind of content you absorb online, as this may harm more than help.
How to Combat the Effects of Technology?
The easy way to combat technology's adverse effects on your eyesight is by taking short breaks from time spent using screens. You can do this via various activities, such as standing up and going outside for fresh air or talking with friends in passing places throughout the day — anything that will break the cycle of being stuck inside looking at screens all day (and night) long!
The key to getting enough sleep is creating a new nightly routine that ensures you are off your technological devices at least an hour or two before bed. Try turning off the TV and putting away all electronics during this time, so your mind has plenty of room to relax for them to settle down properly while also giving yourself some space from any distractions such as social media posts.
Although technology is necessary for our lives, it's essential to make sure you are mindful of your consumption to protect your health. If you have any questions about how to find a provider who can help you protect your health, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Trusted Referral Network. We would be happy to connect you with the best providers in your area so that you can get back to living a healthy and productive life.
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