Taking a Tech Break

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

Reducing Stress On Your Commute

About 8 percent of American workers commute an hour or more each way, to and from work. There can be many challenges and stressors to overcome when you are commuting to work.  Some of these challenges include a lack of control, being in a cramped position, time anxiety, isolation, sense of helplessness, negative inputs and road rage. 

When commuting there is a lack of control with slow or stopped traffic, bad weather or unavoidable obstacles, such as construction. Sitting in cramped position for an extended period of time can also cause additional stress. Commuters often worry about being late or being caught in heavy traffic and this causes anxiety. This anxiety can make you worry about missing important meetings or even losing your job. Long hours on the road can also create stress over missed or limited time with loved ones.  Avoiding negative inputs like angry music or talk radio can help decrease stress and relax any heated emotions.  Refraining from road rage as this can put your mind in an irrational state where any little thing can seem offensive is useful when commuting. 

One way to better combat these challenges is to try and set a positive intention when you leave the house.  Be mindful of any anger and acknowledge that it is okay to observe your thoughts without judging your emotions.  Try doing some deep breathing or shoulder rolls to help ease some tension or listen to calming music. You can even explore other routes that help avoid major traffic or take public transportation if you don’t like driving. When you finally arrive at work take the stairs so you can get your blood flowing again after the long commute.  To find out more ways to keep yourself healthy, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.

Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/the-long-commute/