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Technology Stress- Why Unplugging is Vital For Health

January 04, 2018

We wake up to greet our phones and computers every day.

If you’re like most people, you spend the majority of your day online for work, social media, or to stay in touch with friends and family.

Yet, what are we missing when we spend our days on our phones and computers, and how does this affect our health?

Researchers are only beginning to understand the role technology plays in increasing stress. Yet, what we are learning shows it’s time to make a change before our health suffers.

What We Know about Technology Use and Health:

Sleep Problems/Mental Illness:

One study shows young, heavy technology users are at a higher risk for sleep problems and potential mental health concerns. The biggest problems are seen with heavy technology use at night.

Depression/Distractibility:

Another study suggests high mobile phone use along with stress affects sleep, and can increase depression for men and women.

Other research shows just the presence of a cell phone increases distractibility and affects performance on mental tasks.

Eyestrain/Hormone Dysfunction:

LED (light emitting diode) lights from computers, phones or tablets cause stress.

Staring at an LED screen for many hours increases eye strain and disrupts the body’s production of melatonin, the natural sleep hormone, which naturally increases in darkness.

For heavy tech users, these changes in melatonin production could increase risk for weight gain, diabetes, or possibly even cancer.

Memory Problems/ADD symptoms:

Psychologists are currently exploring what is called the “google effect.” The “google effect” is how having information at our fingertips on the internet affects our ability to remember important facts on our own.

Other concerns are excessive tech use causes ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) like symptoms and mental fog.

Undoing Technology Addiction

The reality is that while technology is a great tool to connect with people and accomplish tasks, it doesn’t replace face to face human connection or our need to spend time in nature.

Furthermore, we have become addicted to technology, using it every minute of our wakeful lives. As with other addictions, this causes toxic stress, and a host of physical and mental problems.

Are You Addicted to Technology?

Ask yourself a few questions:

  • Do you constantly check your phone or email, even when there is no real need?
  • Do you panic when you misplace your phone or don’t have online access?
  • Do you have chargers in every outlet?
  • Do you struggle to be off grid, play games, explore, or connect with people away from technology?
  • If you’re not online, are you watching TV or playing video games?
  • Does technology use keep you up at night?

If you answered yes to these, you may need to rethink your technology use.

There can even be a short withdrawal period, as you retrain your mind and body to function without technology. Try a Technology Detox. Here are a few tips…

Technology Detox

  • Take a long weekend for your detox.
  • Shut down your computer early and leave it in safe place.
  • Take a trip to a favorite spot, preferably near nature.
  • When you reach your destination, leave your phone in the car or in your luggage, only checking it for emergencies.
  • Don’t turn on the TV. Spend your time reading, listening to music, trying out meditation, or with family or friends.
  • Take a hike or go on an herb walk every day possible. We spend so much time online, a lot of us miss out on the health benefits of being in nature.
  • Experiment with healthy recipes. Enjoy your meals without technology.
  • Before bed, practice deep breathing exercises, gentle stretches, or yoga.

If you struggle with your detox at first, take heart. After the first night, it gets much easier. Most people find they sleep better and have an amazing experience.

Unplugging allows you to really be present, and enjoy your downtime from work with less stress and distractions.

Unplug. Unwind.

While science continues to unravel the role technology plays in our health, you can experience the benefits of unplugging today.

Unplugging relaxes the mind and body, and gives you the opportunity to discover and manifest your real dreams.

Look at technology as a tool, not a lifestyle. You can use technology to grow and learn, but be sure to see and experience the world around you.

Take time to connect face to face with the people in your life. Play with your children, pick up a new hobby, or go dancing or on a walk.

Life is all about feeling and experiencing new things. Don’t let technology limit your experiences, happiness, or affect your health.

 

References:

Blue light has a dark side. (2012, May). Retrieved from Harvard Health Publications, http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side
Bradford, A. (2016, Feb.). How blue LEDs affect sleep. Retrieved from Live Science, https://www.livescience.com/53874-blue-light-sleep.html
Sparrow, B., Liu, J., Wegner, D.M.. (2011, Aug.). Google effects on memory: cognitive consequences of having information at our fingertips. Science. 5, 333(6043), 776-8.
Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21764755
Thomée, S., Härenstam, A., & Hagberg, M. (2012, Oct.). Computer use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among young adults–a prospective cohort study. BMC Psychiatry. 22(12), 176. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23088719
Thomée, S., Härenstam, A., & Hagberg, M. (2011, Jan.). Mobile phone use and stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among young adults–a prospective cohort study. BMC Public Health. 31(11), 66. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21281471
What are the health benefits of unplugging? (2017, Jan.). Retrieved from Huffington Post,
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/berkeley-wellness/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-unplugging_b_8917956.html