The Silent Killer of Human Health… How Overuse of Mobile Phones Destroys Human Health - and How to Reclaim Control.
The mobile phones are considered to be a significant aspect of life, to the extent that most individuals are oblivious of the extent to which they are addicted to them. Reaching our phones is a habit, it is boring, or it is stressful, or it is even comforting, yet what we do not realize is that our health is costing us something. Hours spent on the mobile screens gradually change the body and the mind and we are not aware of that until the result shows.
Our eyesight is one of the initial ones that get affected. Spending great number of hours on screen makes eyes dry, tired and blurred. The blue-light screens cause one more load to eyes and it is more difficult to make the eyes rest and concentrate. This habit takes a long time to undermine vision and lead to frequent headaches.
Another big casualty of excessive use of screens is sleep. Late phone use would keep the mind alert as opposed to slowing down. The screen is bright and the signals sent to the brain through it are that it is yet daytime and that one cannot fall asleep easily. As a result, people retire to bed tired and have no energy in the daytime.
The neck and back suffer too. When one looks down at a phone, the spine is in an unnatural posture. This develops rigidity, pain and chronic neck and shoulder ache. Gradually, this position turns into a habit and most of the people are not even aware of the reason their body is tight or sore.
Emotionally, the emotional balance is disrupted by the constant stream of messages and continuous scrolling. The brain gets congested with information and this makes one impatient and stressful. Excess also trains us to be addicts and it becomes difficult to break the habit even when we desire to.
We also lose our concentration power. Once the brain becomes accustomed to picking up the phone after every few seconds, it becomes almost impossible to focus on something. Memory, creativity and clear thinking begin to deteriorate as the mind is in a continuous search to get the next fast diversion.
There is also the issue of hearing in case of earphones being utilized at high levels. The delicate inner ear tissues are irritated or destroyed causing a ringing in the ears, pain or loss of hearing in the long run.
Although the radiation of the cell phone is minimal, the prolonged use of the cell phone near the head can easily cause headaches, exhaustion, and the feeling of the phone being heavy. These effects are cumulative particularly among individuals who make call hours a day.
Social life also changes. When one continues paying attention to the phone rather than people, the conversations become meaningless. The families are seated collectively but not emotionally bonded. The relationships are gradually becoming weak as the phone gains precedence over actual human interaction.
Physical health is left behind as well. Long periods of sedentary sitting slows the natural rhythm of the body, makes one gain weight and lose fitness. The body becomes less active, and the day-to-day duties become more exhausting.
The risks to children are even higher. Spending too much time on the screen has an impact on their behavior, their attention capacity and their learning rate. They grow irritable, less active and less interested with real-life experiences.
However, as much as mobile phones pose these problems, the positive aspect is that these problems can be guarded by just making some simple alterations to the phone. Sometimes the eyes need some rest and it is better to take some short breaks in front of the screen to avoid long term strain. Even a couple of seconds of gazing in the distance will make the eyes rest on their own.
One of the best methods of enhancing sleep is to keep the phone aside before going to sleep. The lack of screens is relaxing as it allows the brain to calm down and the body relaxes accordingly. This one habit has the power to change the nature of sleep almost instantly. The phone posture is also very significant to maintain. The aches and pains accumulated over time can be avoided by standing the device at the eye level when holding it and stretching the neck every now and then.
Less digital noise is beneficial to mental health. Switching off the unwanted notifications forms a serene atmosphere in which the mind can relax and breathe. The level of stress reduces and the ability to think becomes clear again, without the continuous interruptions. It is also easier to stay productive when one does not have the phone at all times. Holding on in a different room when working or studying is much more effective to keep the brain occupied and to perform better. The work becomes less difficult and is done with complete attention.
It is also important to protect the ear health. Maintaining the volume low and taking the ears a break between sessions prevents the long-term damage and makes the listening comfortable and safe. Making a small separation when making the phone calls like the speaker mode minimizes any form of unwanted radiation exposure and makes the head feel lighter.
In real relationships, phones are also put aside and this actually strengthens the relationship. Having time with family or friends without spending on devices allows reconnecting the emotional connection and make the communication meaningful. Physical activities involving little movements during the day contribute to wellness. A simple stroll or some light stretching even breaks the monotony of sitting and the body refreshes in a moment.
In children, healthy limits surrounding the use of screens are creating healthy habits in the future. Promotion of outdoor games, creativity and socialization makes them grow up with stronger minds and healthy behavior patterns. Ultimately, it is not about quitting the usage of mobile phones but about their prudent usage.
Some conscious habits, a bit of awareness, and minor changes will not only keep our health safe but it will also enable us to extract the advantages of technology.
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