The Effects Of Digital Devices On Your Wellbeing
So what are the effects of digital devices on your wellbeing? In the last several years, many studies involving the regular use of communication devices such as cell phones have been conducted to verify their impact on health.
What are the studies saying?
Numerous studies have been conducted showing that the low levels of electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and other broadcasting devices have a direct impact on the molecules of the body.
The radio waves and microwaves emitted by these devices cause increased oxidation in certain enzymes. As a result, may increase in overall oxidation levels in the body.
What is oxidation?
Oxidation is a regular part of life. Increased levels of oxidation over time can damage cells and possibly even lead to cancer. Therefore, there is at least some reason to be wary of the potential damages.
There have been a few studies that have shown strong evidence that foods and substances high in antioxidants can prevent a large portion of radiation-induced oxidation. We recommend Rain Soul which scores at 8990 on the ORAC scale!
Mental health and Digital Devices
A more concrete and perhaps even more dangerous potential threat of improper technology use is the psychological effect it can have.
In a study done by Andrew Przybylski at Essex University. It was demonstrated that even the mere presence of a cell phone during an in-person conversation can decrease the mental and emotional effects of the interaction. How? Consequently, decreased bonding and decreased attentiveness.
While this may not have a large impact in situations such as a business conference or other group settings. As a result, it can have potentially disastrous consequences when it comes to establishing and maintaining personal relationships.
The second study was done by Sara Thomeé. It shows how many young adults suffered increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression due to increased cell phone usage One possible cause of technology-related stress is the sense of constant inadequacy targeted at one’s self and their life circumstances.
Too much information?
Sites like Facebook and Twitter are loaded with photo-shopped pictures of friends and acquaintances.Most of the time looking beautiful and having the time of their life. This often leads individuals to compare themselves to others. The result is increased dissatisfaction with their own life.
Technology can also impact psychological health. This is by having a constant tether to the stresses of life. Having a cell phone on hand at all times means that the boss can get in touch at any time.
Increased stress levels
When the stressful calls are not coming in, the cell phone serves as a reminder that debts, obligations, and work emergencies still exist. Consequently making it much more difficult to truly let go and relax.
Another reason for increased stress levels are continual the distractions allowed by devices that don’t allow a person to focus on one task long enough to finish it. We are constantly having to find their place and in effect start over again. This causes mental confusion, decreased productivity, and increased feeling of perceived stress. The mind is bombarded by multiple threats simultaneously, instead of being able to focus on one at a time.
Tips to stop the digital madness
• Check emails and messages only at certain times of the day or week.
• Don’t multitask with your technology.
• Turn off your cell phone at night.
• Limit your use OF Social Media to only a few hours per week.Don’t just browse endless photos and posts.
• Don’t compare your life circumstances to those of others.
• Limit news media browsing to only a few minutes per day.
• Take some time to disconnect each month.
• Put your phone away when you aren’t doing anything specific with it.
• Never have the phone present or the TV on when trying to have a deep or emotionally charged conversation with someone you care about.
In conclusion
We need better social connectedness for our health!! Go outside! Talk to your neighbor, friend or family. Ride a bike or go for a walk. You will see improved health from many different sides! To learn more on increasing your antioxidants and learning how Omega’s can help with Brain health click below!
