Technology is used to improve our lives in so many ways. However, people can get so addicted to technology that it negatively affects their health. People who spend too much time online can have negative effects on their mental and physical health.
The tips outlined below will help you use technology in beneficial ways without overdoing it and compromising your health.
Set Limits
It’s common for people these days to spend too much time online and on computer and phone programs and apps. Whether you are a college student or an expert software development professional, you should set limits on how long you are online every day.
When it comes to smartphones, most of them feature digital wellness settings that let you monitor and limit how long you are on the device every day. For example, if you think you spend too much of your free time on Facebook, you can set up a timer that will block the app, such as during the work day.
When you set limits in this way, you can focus your time online on activities that are productive and make money. When you have used up your time online for the day, consider getting outside and going for a walk or run.
Don’t Use Tech Just Before Bedtime
If you are a software developer or other type of tech professional, sure, sometimes you need work into the night hours on a critical project. But when your work is done and it’s close to bedtime, it helps not to use your smartphone or other digital devices right before you hit the sack.
Science shows that using a digital device right before bedtime can reduce the body’s production of melatonin, which helps you go to sleep.
Try the Do Not Disturb function on your phone when you go to bed so no notifications will disturb your slumber. Also, consider simply removing the device from the bedroom for the night so you can rest.
Try One Or More Fitness Apps
If you are online a lot at work and on your phone at home, try to make exercise easier by using fitness apps. There are lots of free fitness apps for iPhone and Android that will encourage you to work out and keep at it.
Whether you like biking, running, walking, or yoga, there are fitness apps that can track your progress and keep you motivated.
Leave Your Phone Behind When You Can
It’s easy to use your phone so much that it is almost like an anchor that holds you back from living life. Because cell phones can be taken almost anywhere, there is a temptation to use them all the time and never disengage and do other things.
So, try going about parts of your day without your phone on your hip. You can still use your phone of course; most of us need it to stay in touch with family and to do work. But you can tell you’re vital contacts that you don’t always carry your phone but will check messages at certain times each day.
If you try to mindfully do without your phone for certain parts of the day, you will get used to being without it some of the time. Then you can focus on doing things that are healthier, such as reading a book, cooking, exercising, or having conversations with others face-to-face.
Technology such as cell phones are so helpful in so many ways. If you manage your use of technology with some of these tips, you can live a healthier and more productive life.
