Advancements made in technology like the smart phone, Google
Glass and Apple Watch mean that we can take the internet with us everywhere
now. The down side is that we take the internet with us everywhere now.
With technology’s constant presence, it’s vital to maintain
healthy technology habits to ensure your health is in tech-top shape.
Here are the top five habits to break ASAP:
Leave screens out of the bedroom
I’m guilty of using my phone in bed before my eyes become
too heavy or I drop my phone on my face. Not only can receiving a work email in
your place of slumber increase stress and make a restful night’s sleep more
difficult, it’s also proven that the artificial light from our phones can
damage your sleep cycle. The exposure of blue light confuses your brain (is it
morning or night?) and affects the way your body produces melatonin-
the chemical that makes you sleepy. For a good night’s sleep, put the phone
down.
Stop using your phone as a social crutch
This is probably a habit of the more introverted among us
(myself included). When faced with an awkward social situation or dwindling
conversation, the temptation is to bury ourselves in our phones. Over use of
technology has been linked
to depression because it prevents us from socialising- something we need to do
as humans. I love the idea of a phone bowl when dining with a group. Everyone
leaves their phone in the bowl and actual conversations ensue.
Shoulders back
This is particularly important for office workers. Research
shows that sitting for 8 or more hours a day can put you at higher risk of
muscular skeletal disease, diabetes and obesity. Ensure your chair height and
posture is correct with this how
to guide.
Take a break
Remaining in the same position for a long time can cause
blood clots and staring at a screen for hours on end can cause eyestrain and
affect your vision. Get up and stretch every now and then. Get a glass of
water. Step outside to breathe. Chances are you will also be more productive
upon your return.
It’s a laptop, not a lap-top
Using your laptop on your lap can result in health
complications from minor conditions such as skin dryness to more serious
maladies like reduced sperm count. Not to mention you are likely to have
terrible posture when using your device on your lap- hunched shoulders and neck
cranked. Leave the laptop on the desk.
Claire Dowler is a
Conference Producer with Akolade. She recently graduated with a double degree:
a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Media and Communications Studies
majoring in International Communication. Claire minored in sarcasm and puns.
A ballroom-dancer who
collects salt and pepper shakers and volunteers for animal rescue, you might
say Claire has eclectic interests.
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