Over the past few years, technology has become a major part of our day to day lives, especially digital technology.
Think about how many times during the day you have your smartphone in your hand or pocket, or how long you spend on your laptop getting work done, sending emails or writing papers.
These devices have become our lifeline when we need to search for the answer to any question that pops into our head, to contact our friends and family, and they’ve even become a source of entertainment.
While digital technology can have a positive impact on our lives, it can also bring about a slew of negative effects, one being digital overload. Digital overload occurs when the brain is juggling too much information from the sheer amount that’s being thrown its way.
This can have a direct impact on mood, feelings of fatigue, anxiety, lack of sleep or depression. That being said, the use of digital technology is likely never going to go away, so it’s important to create habits that help with the onset of digital overload.
The first step is to start taking breaks from screen time—here’s why:
It affects your sleep
Using a digital device before going to bed actually has a biological effect on the body. The circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, is directly associated with the amount of light the body is exposed to.
When using a digital device before going to bed, the body is not getting the signals to release melatonin, often called the sleep hormone. Instead, the body is still releasing serotonin and keeping the body awake and alert.
As a college student, it can feel almost impossible to avoid using any type of device before heading to bed. You might be pulling an all-nighter trying to cram for a test or finish a paper that’s due the next day; both are fine to do every now and then but it shouldn’t become a habit.
Consider downloading an app to help limit the amount of time you’re spending on your devices. Setting boundaries within your devices is a great way to hold yourself accountable, and keep you from using your devices at least 30 minutes before you plan on going to bed.
It can lead to health problems
Think about it: every time you’re using a digital device, for whatever reason you’re using it, you’re likely stationary. It’s a very sedentary activity, and it’s pretty common to be sitting or laying down while you’re scrolling through your phone or using your laptop.With that comes health risks such as weight gain, decreased bone density, and high blood pressure among other things.
advertisement
Again, using these devices are unavoidable, but creating habits to combat the usage will greatly impact the effects of digital overload. Set aside time during the day as designated “device-free” time.
During this time, make it a priority to move your body to compensate for the time you have no choice but to be seated and using a device. Something as simple as following a yoga flow can be super beneficial for both your mind and body.
It impacts your vision
I think it’s common knowledge by now that staring at a device for hours on end can impact your vision. If you’ve ever experienced blurry or double vision, dry or red eyes, loss of focus, headaches, eye irritation or soreness, or an increased sensitivity to light, it could be a sign that you’re spending too much time on your devices. The blue light emitted from these devices can be harmful to your eyes, potentially causing damage to your vision in the future.
Digital overload can feel unescapable sometimes, so it can help to have a few helpful tips in your back pocket for times when you have no choice but to be looking at a screen all day. When this is the case, wear glasses that protect against blue light to block out the harmful rays you’re being exposed to by your smartphone or computer.
other related articles of interest:
Blue light glasses offer your eyes extra protection, which will help to reduce the eye strain and fatigue you might be experiencing while studying. When the eye is experiencing too much light exposure, they can become more sensitive as well as dry.
Blue light glasses help to reduce the overall amount of light that reaches the eye, preventing the negative impacts of overexposure. They can also decrease your chances of developing new or worsening vision problems in the future.
With the world we live in, especially for those who are in college or headed to college, digital overload is bound to occur. Knowing the effects that digital overload can have on your health and wellbeing is a great start in learning how to avoid it. Always be consciously aware of how much time you’re spending on your devices, and don’t hesitate to take breaks.
Image Credit: by twenty20.com
end of post … please share it!
SUMMER MONTHS: start building up your credit (part of HS college calendar)
Comments