Your cell phone is basically an extension of yourself. Think about it for a moment— like most of the world, you probably rely on your pocket-sized device to take care of your everyday needs. Your phone wakes you up, sends you reminders, sets your schedule, and connects you to the outside world. It does it all and it does it well.
It’s almost frightening to imagine a world without wireless connections and pre-set reminders. How would you ever get anything done? (*exaggerated gasp*). Of course, you can survive with a little less use of your cell phone and maybe you should. Despite it being the best personal assistant you’ve ever had, it’s also a hazard to your health. Here’s a few healthy cell phone habits you should pick up to keep yourself in balance:
TURN IT OFF AT NIGHT
If you haven’t heard by now, it’s not healthy to keep the lights on at night. A Harvard Medical School study looked at how people were affected by being exposed to blue light while they slept (the type of light that’s emitted from electronics like cell phones) and found it lowered melatonin levels and shifted circadian rhythms.
It all adds up to poor sleep and an increased risk for depression, diabetes and cardiovascular problems. If you’re not prepared to shut off your phone at night, turn the display light low and move it away from your bedside table.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Cell phones work by sending and receiving signals constantly, which causes erratic radiation. If you choose to physically carry your phone on you, you make yourself susceptible to that radiation. Studies continue to surface that show women getting breast cancer, after carrying their cell phones in their bras and tops, and men experiencing decreased fertility, after putting their phones in their pant pockets.
Also, research shows radiation from wireless technology affects your heart, blood and autonomic nervous system. Basically—keep a little distance from your trusty device and you’ll steer clear of potential problems.
CONNECT WITH THE REAL WORLD
Your social life deserves to be just as healthy as your mind and body, so don’t sacrifice it by spending too much time on your device. Excessive cell phone use can lead to anti-social behaviour, anxiety and depression.
Keep yourself in check by leaving your phone out of sight when you’re interacting with another person. Take it one step further and balance out your screen time by spending at least an hour a day doing something sans electronics. Read a book, paint a picture or better yet— hit the gym with us to get your brain and body going!
