Computers and consumer electronics are everywhere, and it’s impossible to ignore them. A new issue that presents itself in the modern day is the negative health effects of the use of these electronics. One simple way to reduce the unhealthy side effects of electronics is to limit or at least be aware of how much time you spend on them.
How much time you spend on electronics is commonly referred to as screen time. Too much screen time can lead to medical issues such as obesity, neck and back pain, vision inhibition, and mental health problems.
There are a couple of simple things to focus on when staying mindful of your screen time:
- Use an app or tool to track it
- Most consumer electronics today have a built-in feature to track the amount of time that you spend using them. Just seeing how much time you’re spending on electronics can help you reduce your usage.
- Take regular breaks and stretch
- While using electronics, make sure to take a break and go do something else for a bit. This can help with the mental fatigue that results from using technology for extended periods of time. It also helps refocus your eyes to reduce the effects of visual strain.
- Keep screens out of meals and the bedroom
- When you’re eating, it’s important to not be distracted to avoid hazards like choking. Electronics often end up providing this distraction, so it’s best to avoid using them while eating. Sleep is also an incredibly vital bodily function. The blue light emitted from most screens inhibit your body’s ability to produce melatonin. This both reduces the quality and amount of sleep that you get.
Overall, it’s important to be mindful of your screen time and the negative effects that it can cause. There are a couple of things that you can keep in mind to both reduce the effects of screen time and reduce it outright. If you have questions on how to manage your screen time to stay healthy, your primary care physician is a good place to start. If you’re looking for a primary care physician in Plano, Irving, or Frisco, call us at 214-666-6259 or schedule an appointment in the contact tab above the post.
Author Jai Sammpath
