Is Your Phone Ringing Right Now?
By Sandy Schroeder
Smartphones ring a lot. Many people check them every six minutes, or 150 times per day, according to a recent New York Times article.
New York psychotherapist, Nancy Collier tells us teens generate 110 texts per day, and most users never go for 24 hours without checking their phones.
Most of us rely on smartphones to stay connected to our work, family, and social connections. So heavy use might be expected. But smartphones may be traveling too far with us.
How often have you watched someone whip out their smartphone in the midst of a conversation at lunch or dinner?
How many people carry their smartphones to bed every night? How many people do you see on the street, totally focused on their phones?
Recently, I saw a picture of friends on vacation. The couple is standing near the water in a gorgeous spot. Both are totally absorbed in their phones. They are ignoring each other. and dismissing the scenery. Later, they may have gone sailing. Or they may have dined for hours. But I suspect their phones went too.
When Do You Take A Break?
If you live with your smartphone 24/7, your nervous system may never really shut down. Collier says, “We are wired and tired all the time. Even computers reboot, but we don’t.”
I have been talking about unplugging from electronics for a long time, because I feel we all need to step away, We need to watch the sky at sunset, share a joke with friends, or just pause and take a deep breath. Real human and physical connections provide the substance in our lives that keeps us involved and happy. They tell us who we really are.
Theft of Time
Every hour spent on an electronic device may be inactive. Often it is indoors. This can be critical for kids, as screens take time away from biking, playing, reading, and learning how to interact with others.
Rethink Your Phone
Do a comparison – How much smartphone time do you need to work, navigate, and stay in touch with family? How much is just idle cruising or posting?
Set up breaks – Shut down your phone when you are with friends, eating, or going to bed. If that works well, continue to add small timeouts. See how this works for interactions, relaxation and improved sleep.
Focus on the good stuff– What makes you happy? Your kids’ contagious giggles, your spouse’s ironic smile, or your own inspired moments, may all appear when your electronics are quiet.
Our electronic world will continue to grow to amaze, attract and inform us. But just like great foods, we may need to select the right amounts.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
