Limiting Technology: Is It Really Necessary?
By Genevieve Cunningham
As a society, we're totally addicted to screens. If you don't believe it, do a quick self-reflection. When you first wake up, what's one of the first things that you do? Chances are really good that one of your very first actions is to reach for your phone. And then once we pick up a device, we stay on one almost all day long. We use devices at work, when we're bored, for communication, and for entertainment purposes. It's truly never ending. Some may argue that it's just the way of the world -- we're technology driven. Others argue that we really need to limit our screen-time and strive for better balance. So what's the truth? Do we really have to limit our technology time? To get to the bottom of our tech world and protect your own health, take a look at these facts to get you moving in the right direction.
The Hard Side of Technology
Technology brings a lot of good into our lives, but there are multiple downsides of too much screen time. Just a few of the potential disadvantages include:
Eye strain - Screens wear out the eyes. You might experience eye tenderness, blurred vision, and headaches due to the time spent in front of a screen.
Back and neck pain - When we're on a device, we don't typically have great posture. We sit with our shoulders slouched and our head bent forward for hours on end! This can lead to discomfort, and in the long-term, it may even lead to permanent curvature of the upper spine.
Lack of focus - Technology is really good at entertaining us. It's really stimulating. We're almost constantly bombarded with moving images and frequently changing headlines. This can lead to an inability to concentrate, which becomes apparent in almost every other aspect of our lives.
Is There an Answer?
These downsides might seem like a lot, but there is an answer that most of us ignore. The answer is balance. It's OK, and even necessary, to use technology in our daily lives. That truly is the way our world is set up. But it's also necessary to put it down. We have to get outside, move our bodies, spend time face-to-face with others, and just take a collective break from the screen. If you can find this balance, you'll be much better off in your health and life in general. Keep trying! The more you focus on taking breaks and finding balance, the better you'll feel and the closer you'll get to the healthy lifestyle you want and deserve.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Little Rock, Ark.