In today’s world, technology is everywhere in the form of laptops, smartphones, tablets, TVs, gaming consoles, and whatnot. It has changed how we communicate, work, live, and even socialize. However, with the increased usage of technology, there has been a rise in the adverse effects on our health. From eye strain and back pain to sleep deprivation and mental health issues, tech overuse can take a toll on our bodies and minds. Technology has also laid some positive changes but we also need to consider bad things that are happening because of technology and how you can create a balance between health and tech.
Harmful Effects of Excessive Tech Usage on Human Body
The excessive use of technology can have several negative effects on the human body.
- Eye Strain: Staring at screens for prolonged periods can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and even headaches.
- Poor Posture: Sitting in front of screens for hours can cause poor posture and lead to neck and back pain.
- Sleep Deprivation: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with our circadian rhythm, leading to sleep deprivation.
- Mental Health Issues: Social media overuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Weight gain & Obesity: Technology often involves sitting for prolonged periods, which can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. When we spend too much time sitting in front of screens, we burn fewer calories, which can lead to weight gain over time. Some people also snack while watching tv or playing games and that’s where things get worsen which ultimately leads to obesity which is a direct invitation to chronic disease.
See Also: How to Create a Minimalistic Lifestyle
RELATED STORIES
10 Tips to Balance Tech Usage for Healthy Lifestyle
Here are 10 tips for balancing tech usage for a healthy lifestyle:
1. Take Breaks
If you are into a sitting job or just addicted to screens, keep yourself conscious and take frequent breaks from screens to reduce eye strain and improve posture. Get up and move around every 30 minutes or so. Take a walk around, do some pushups if possible or just stretch your body.
2. Use Blue Light Filters
Every screen emits blue light which is harmful if the eyes are exposed for a longer period of time. To minimize the effect of the blue light filters, use blue light filters on screens to reduce the impact on your circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality.
3. Set Time Limits
Setting time limits is an effective way to balance tech usage and prevent excessive use. It involves setting specific periods during which you will use technology, as well as periods during which you will avoid it altogether. It’s also important to set specific times when you will avoid technology altogether. This could include designated “tech-free” hours during the day, or a specific period of time each week when you will take a break from screens entirely.
4. Create Tech-Free Zones
There must be a space in your home where you don’t get easy access to any screen at all. Instead of screens, place some indoor plants, paintings or anything that stimulate your senses. You can also place musical instruments, art canvas, word games or anything that can trigger your creative brain.
5. Turn Off Notifications
Turning off notifications is an effective strategy for balancing tech usage and reducing distractions. Notifications from social media, email, and other apps can be a major source of interruption, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress levels.
To turn off notifications, start by assessing which apps or services are sending you the most notifications. You may find that certain apps are more distracting than others, or that you receive notifications at times when you don’t really need them.
It might sound weird to you but just try it for once, you will see the positive results very soon.
See Also: What is DMT Meditation
6. Take a Digital Detox
Take a break from technology for a day or two every month to recharge and reset. What does that mean you ask? That means, deactivating your Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. Don’t look at screens at all. Not even TV.
You don’t need to get that hard on yourself. Take baby steps and eventually increase the detox level. It is similar to what you do when your gut is upset and you don’t eat food at all to reverse gut health.
7. Engage in Physical Activity
To engage in physical activity, start by setting aside time each day for exercise. This could include going for a walk or run, practicing yoga, or joining a fitness class. Find an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your schedule so that you are more likely to stick with it over the long term. If you don’t have a pet, get yourself a pet. Get a dog, cat or anything that you love the most. Take them for a walk, and play with them.
If you don’t want a pet, join a gym. It gets addictive and it is for good. Basically, you need a physical activity that you can stick to for a longer period of time. Remember, engaging in physical activity should not be a punishment for you. Find something you can enjoy.
See Also: Benefits of Essential oil in Lifestyle
8. Seek Professional Help
If you find that your tech usage is interfering with your daily life and causing significant distress or negative consequences, it may be helpful to seek professional help. This could include speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in technology addiction or related issues.
A mental health professional can help you better understand the underlying reasons behind your excessive-tech usage and develop strategies for reducing or managing it. They can also provide support and guidance as you work to establish healthier habits and make positive changes in your life.
Create Balance between Tech & Lifestyle: Conclusion
Technology is a valuable tool in our lives, but it’s important to balance tech usage for a healthy lifestyle. You need to make sure your health doesn’t get affected due to this tool. Every innovation comes with good and bad things. It depends on the user how he/she uses that tool for good. Anything in excess is harmful but you have to make sure it doesn’t affect your physical and mental health.
If something is bothering you, it is always a good idea to completely remove that thing from your life. Toxicity on social media is killing a lot of kids these days and timely assistance could have save those innocent kids. If your kids or any other person you know is suffering from mental stress due to the toxicity of social media, make sure you reach out to them and try to understand them just by listening to them without any judgment.
Nature can also help you in creating a balance between tech and a healthy lifestyle. Go out under the sun, walk barefoot on grass, go to trekking, go to a beach, or mountains and you will feel connected to the universe instead of stupid tech.
