How Your Smartphone Impacts Your Body and Mind
By Sara Butler
You probably rely on your smartphone for a lot of things. After all, it connects you with the world and many people use it to stay on top of things at work or connected to friends and family that live far away. When it comes to smartphones, it’s not all bad. But there are some things you must be aware of about the way you use your smartphone that can be dangerous to your health and wellness.
It’s Not Good for Sleep
If you like to surf your phone before you try to go to sleep at night, then you may be doing more harm than good. The blue light emitted by smartphone screens can keep your brain from producing the hormones it needs to help you fall asleep. Try not to use your phone in the 30 minutes before bed and you may have a much easier time falling asleep.
It’s Dangerous to Your Focus
If you have your phone out constantly alerting you to something, how are you ever going to concentrate on what you're doing? If you keep your phone out at work, then silence it when you’re trying to concentrate, otherwise, you’ll never get anything done!
It’s Dirty
Would you believe that your smartphone probably has more germs on it than your toilet seat? It’s true! You should wipe your phone down every single day with alcohol or another phone-friendly cleaner and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
It Causes Aches and Pain
The new era of technology has brought with it new musculoskeletal disorders. From tech neck to text thumb, all that time you spend tapping and looking down on your phone screen can cause problems and pain. That’s why it’s so important to take breaks from technology, hold your tablet or phone up at eye level and see a chiropractor for regular adjustments to make sure you’re not suffering from technology-induced joint restrictions or dysfunctions.
It’s Bad for Your Memory
Taking pictures with your smartphone instead of actually experiencing something might hinder your memory. Studies have found that people in art museums who snap photos with their phones have poor memory recall of the objects later. So, put down that phone if you want to make truly lasting memories.
Technology may make life easier, but it's not without its faults. Be aware of them so you can make sure they're not impacting your health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monroe, La.