Shut Off the Device
Shut Off the Device
Cmputers
are essential in every area of our lives these days. Between our laptops,
desktops, smartphones, tablets, and televisions, it seems screens and devices
dominate our lives.
When
it comes to human health though, it seems that spending too much of our time in
front of a screen can have an adverse effect on us. How? Via your sleeping
patterns, that’s how. Let us break this down for you.
Our
pineal gland creates a hormone called melatonin to help us fall asleep. When we
stay up in bed reading via a tablet or binging the newest season of our
favorite internet series, we are tricking our pineal gland into believing that
the sun is still up. This limits the amount of melatonin produced when you need
it the most which can result in insomnia.
Sure,
we need our devices for our work and play, there is no avoiding it. But, it
would be good to put them down and look around once in a while. Not only would
our sleeping patterns improve, but your outlook on life might also shift to a
more positive direction.
Here
are some ways you can step away from the screen, take a break from it all and
embrace a more natural
approach to
manage sleep.
Take a Nap
This
tried and right remedy for “getting away from it all” might be just what you
are looking for. According
to the National Sleep Foundation, just taking 20 minutes in the afternoon
can improve your level of alertness, elevate your mood, and help raise your
performance level.
They
even suggest three different types of napping. The naps that you plan a night,
you are required to stay up late. There are emergency naps when you feel groggy
and can’t continue with the project you are working on. Finally, there are
habitual naps, which are set daily and typically used with children and the
elderly. Whatever sounds best to you, give it a try.
Try
not to get more than 20-30 minutes otherwise; you may wake up feeling sluggish
and make sure you are in a comfortable bed or sofa. For extra ease grab a
pillow that will meet your needs like the Purple Pillow, which can
make a difference in the level of comfort you experience while sleeping.
Go For A Walk
When
it seems like the screen time is hitting into overtime then maybe it would be a
good idea to talk a walk. The best thing about a walk is all that’s required
are some good shoes, tolerable weather, and a path. Just how much a short walk
every day can benefit your physical and mental well being is astronomical.
Short
walks can improve
your mental state since
one twenty minutes daily can reduce any anger or hostility you might be
feeling. You will burn calories daily, which can help with your heart health
and reduce your risk of getting a chronic disease like diabetes. Walking is
good fo us all around so the next time you feel the devices are weighing you
down just walk away.
Hit the Gym
The
benefits of regular exercise are indisputable. Your challenge is to get your
work out in without the use of your devices. Of course, this will be difficult
if you are used to using your phone to stream music or your gym is filled with
televisions. So, if you have to look at a screen once in a while when you look
up from the treadmill that’s fine. As for your music, the idea is to stop
looking at the screen so once the tunes are on, put the smartphone somewhere
that is away from your gaze.
The Center For Disease
Control reports that
a regular exercise routine will reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes
it can also help lessen your risk of certain cancers. It will increase your
lifespan, help you shed those pounds, and give you the mental clarity you have
been looking for.
Take a Hike
The
other walks we talked about covered the path near your office or the blocks
around your house, but, if you are looking to detach, a great way to do it is
alone. There are trails everywhere just waiting to feel the weight of your
footsteps. Going over the benefits would just be redundant at this point since
they are same as the ones you get from walking or other forms of exercise.
When
nature surrounds you, there is a moment to reconnect and forget the
spreadsheets, emails, and latest technology. Just don’t leave your smartphone
at home or in the car, in case you get lost, you might need it.
Conclusion
Devices
are a necessity that is impossible to avoid if we want to get anywhere in this
world. Stepping away from the screen once in a while will be a daily benefit,
and the positives will be life lasting.
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