There are many wonderful benefits of technology. You can see
loved ones that live thousands of miles away, monitor your health, catch up
with friends you haven't seen in years, find activities and events in your area
and catch up on the news with the touch of a button. With all the great things
technology has to offer there is also a down side. Too much screen time can
cause, memory failure, emotional instability, strained vision and muscle and
joint pain.
Here is why you should take a break from technology. With
technology always around it is difficult to unwind and set boundaries on your
work communications. Drawing a line between work and your personal life allows
your mind to recharge so you are refreshed for the next day at the office. It
also relieves tension on personal relationships and allows you to focus on the
present.
Multitasking has been proven ineffective and decreases the
likelihood of retaining the information we are processing. When you are constantly
giving the projects in front of you half of your attention your performance
level drops. When multitasking it is increasingly difficult to filter out
irrelevant information and tasks. Multitasking actually takes longer than when
you are focused on one thing at a time. In a 2011 study, ivy league students retailed facts and information more
effectively when they knew they couldn't get them from the internet.
Constantly being surrounded by social media and technology
can also cause mental instabilities like anxiety, depression, sleep
deprivation, dangerous codependence and leaves no time for solitude. Social
media can be especially dangerous to young impressionable minds. Comparing
yourself to the people you see on the internet can set unrealistic expectations
of how you should look and what your life should look like. It is also
difficult because we typically only see the best life scenarios on social
media.
Too much screen time can also cause physical health
problems. According to a 2008 survey by the American Optometric Association
(AOA); "About 40% of optometrists’ patients experienced eye strain due to
computer vision syndrome (conditions related to “near work”), while 45%
complained of neck and back pain associated with computer or handheld device
use". Posture while using cell phones and computers can also cause back
and neck problems as well as pain in your wrists and fingers. Experts recommend
limiting the time spent in front of a computer as well as cell phone usage.
They also suggest being conscious of your posture and how you're positioning
yourself while using these devices.
If the first thing you do when you wake up is check your
phone, try taking a technology break. Even if it is a few hours give your body
and mind a break. Become comfortable by yourself. Try meditating or giving a
new hobby a try. Find meaning connections in person with the important people
in your life. To find out more ways to keep yourself and your family happy and
healthy visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.
By: Julia Jacobson, Office Manager
Source:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/internet-addiction/real-effects-technology-on-your-health/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/02/06/feeling-disconnected-5-reasons-to-unplug-from-technology-after-work/#4a60b67076ce
