Smartphones and tablets have become our companions, but have you ever wondered if the amount of time spent looking at screens could be affecting our health? Studies have shown that reducing the use of tech may have incredible benefits for our mental and physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. So, let’s dive into these benefits 🙂
Reducing the amount of time you spend using tech products can improve your mental health by:
- Reducing Stress: Constant pings and notifications can increase stress and anxiety. By giving ourselves a break from the digital noise, we can reduce anxiety and manage stress.
- Improve sleep quality: Late night screen-swiping got you tossing and turning? The blue light from electronics can disrupt our sleep. By turning off our electronic devices two to three hours before bedtime, we may notice an improvement in the quality of our sleep and how we feel when we wake up.
- Encourage you to live in the moment: Have you ever felt like you’re missing out on life because you’re looking at a screen? Well, it’s never too late to take a break and live more in the moment – by cutting back on technology, we can savor the present, be more focused, and fully engage with the world around us.
Less tech time can enhance your relationships by:
- Enhancing your social interactions in real life: We all crave human interaction, and too much screen time can get in the way. By putting down our electronic devices, we create space for real face-to-face interaction, laughter and meaningful conversation.
- Improve your communication skills: While technology has the ability to improve communication with specific groups of people, in the workplace, or with people far away, it can be detrimental to other aspects of socialization and communication. By reducing the amount of time we spend using technology products, we can improve our communication skills, make eye contact, and pick up on non-verbal cues that can help improve communication and make social situations easier.
Reducing the amount of time spent using technology can improve physical health by:
- Reducing sedentary time: Let’s face it – it may be tempting to go crazy watching our favorite shows, but our bodies need to move! By reducing the amount of time we spend looking at screens, we open the door to exciting activities – like going for a walk, trying out that new hobby you’ve been eyeing up, or going to a museum or exhibition.
- Reduce eyestrain and tech neck: Staring at screens all day isn’t doing our eyes or posture any favors. Taking regular breaks from technology and finding ways to relax your eyes and straighten your body may boost your health.
Reducing tech time may help improve cognitive function by:
- Increasing Productivity: Distractions kill our ability to stay productive. By limiting the use of technology, we create the perfect environment for us to be focused and consistently productive.
- Enhanced creativity: Depending on how you use technology products, downtime without them may help enhance creativity. However, more research is needed to better understand the relationship between technology use and creativity.
Our smartphones and smart devices have their benefits, though, and while the impact of tech use on our health isn’t exactly black and white – if you often find yourself glued to your devices, reducing screen time can unlock a world of benefits! From boosting mental health and strengthening relationships to improving physical health and unlocking our productivity and creativity, getting away from those screens will benefit us greatly. Try unplugging every now and then to enjoy these benefits!