How electronic focussed are you? We live in a world that revolves around devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Having access to electronic devices that stream information to you 24/7 is not healthy for your Mental Health and Wellbeing as a whole.

At the touch of a button, you have access to enormous amounts of data on every conceivable subject, including video, photos and audio to reinforce that knowledge.

Perhaps it is the attraction of instant updates to your favourite person or event, and the need to be ‘in the know’, to stay on par with your peers which means you want to be available to everyone.

Knowledge is ‘power’ after all, or so they say, but what cost to your health?

Emails, social media, movies, music and apps which allow you to buy and sell, network, learn and partake in business at any time of the day or night. So convenient for many at the touch of a button.

This stream of information comes at a cost, mainly to your own health. Staring at a screen for too long can over time, cause many illnesses, including the following:

Sitting for long periods slows the metabolism, then affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat, which can contribute to Diabetes and Obesity – a sedentary lifestyle lacking in physical activity.

Neck, back and limb issues from poor seating and posture are attributed to interacting with devices constantly.  

Eye problems arise from staring at bright screens, causing eye strain and neurological issues on occasion.

Sleep deprivation – The Pineal gland makes melatonin, which is the main hormone that sets our circadian clock (our internal sleep timer). Blue light from screens is meant to mimic the sun. This suppresses melatonin production and tells our brains that it is daytime, keeping us awake longer. Source – https://simedhealth.com/atricle/why-your-phone-may-be-reason-you-cant-sleep

Have you ever taken stock of how many hours you spend on your device?  

On any given day, when I am in town, there will be people walking around more interested in their device that what is going on around them. Everything is invisible to them, as they are totally immersed in the virtual world.

There are benefits to not be at the beck and call of your device.  I also have days where I give my health a break from electronic devices.

I switch off my smartphone, unplug the TV and keep my laptop lid closed. I call this a Device-Free Break.

No more distractions and I get time to spend playing board games with my family or going out for walks with friends. Living in the present, listening to your own thoughts, and your body and its needs, like have a nap and talk with others.

I let my close family and friends know that I am having a device break, and stick to the plan.

It is becoming more common to hear this expression, of having a device break as more people switch off for a short period of time and reset their lives.

Living in the moment and being present can shift our perception of our world, and perhaps being more aware of the need to do more with the precious amount of time we share on this planet.

If you have doubts about disconnecting from your device, then work out a plan that you can manage. It can be a tough decision, especially if your device is necessary for work, but you could start small, perhaps one evening a week and build up to more frequent device breaks.

The benefits of a less stressful and healthy lifestyle by having a device-free break include:

Improving your overall health and wellbeing.

Better quality of sleep.

Nourishing and building more positive relationships.

Decreasing stress levels.

Increasing self-awareness and confidence.

If you require further advice or assistance, please feel free to reach out.

Steve