Patrick Bailey explores the ins and outs of technology and explains why taking a break from our digital devices could be the key to a better lifestyle.
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Calmer
Although they can be a source of distraction at times, few people can deny that digital devices have enormous benefits. They allow us to stay connected with our loved ones and colleagues, as well as allowing us to continue working and earning a paycheck.
The disadvantage of using digital devices
However, it is a growing concern that we are spending more time online than is perhaps advisable. The health concern here is heightened when you consider the reality that many of us will be looking at our smartphone or computer screens for most of the day, at work or at breaks, and then potentially continuing to do so when work is done, even while eating or talking to others.
Some professionals consider this to be a digital addiction and giving up our digital devices is commonly known as a digital detox.
Even if you don’t feel like you have an addiction to your device, there are still some potentially harmful results that are important to be aware of, such as:
Blue Light: Light from your electronic devices can alter the quality and quantity of your sleep or circadian rhythm, and can even increase your chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Computer Vision Syndrome: Like carpal tunnel syndrome of the eyes, CVS is caused by repetitive eye movements (focusing and refocusing, looking back and forth between the computer and a book or notes) and this puts physical strain on the eye muscles. Eyestrain from digital devices: For some reason, people blink less than half the time while looking at electronic screens, which means they are not well hydrated, can dry out and cause eyestrain. Glare, flicker, and contrast can also cause problems.
social etiquette
Then there are the social aspects. Do you think it’s rude to look at your phone while talking or having dinner with other people? In some contexts, it might seem like you’re not paying attention, half listening, or that what’s on your screen is more important.
So what would it mean to you to stop using screens for a day, a week, or a month? A digital diet, if not a detox?
The benefits of a digital diet
Increased focus: Unfortunately, multitasking can be a myth, and the reality is that we are predisposed by evolution to shift focus from one task to another quickly. Single tasking can increase productivity, save time, and improve relationships.
Better sleep: Using any blue light-emitting device (even a TV) right before bed can make you have restless sleep. The researchers suggest that turning off all devices at least an hour beforehand, leaving the smartphone out of the bedroom entirely, and reading a physical book before going to sleep can all help to get a more restful night of quality sleep. After a week, most people report being happier.
Overtime: We average around 24 hours per week on our devices, and arguably a sizable fraction of that time is spent down the rabbit hole, going off on unwanted tangents.
The result
In short, a digital detox could reduce stress and anxiety and improve quality of life.
By sleeping better, feeling more productive, having more free time, and nurturing your relationships, you could start to see a real, tangible difference in your personal and professional life, as well as your overall well-being.
Of course, it’s important to be realistic, and everyone’s circumstances are different. So think about how much time you could allocate each week to spend away from your devices – start small and go from there. What other activities, joys and healthy habits would you like to spend more time on? After all, time is our most precious commodity.
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Source: news.google.com