Did you know? Experts recommend that adults use screens for around two hours per day. Most adults, however, look at screens for an average of 11 hours per day!
This is a shocking number and is bound to cause some negative repercussions. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson walks you through how to stay healthy in a technologically dominated world.
What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to My Body?
If you are like the majority of adults in America and consume screen time at an excessive rate, you might not realize the effects that it has had on your overall health.
Too much screen time impairs brain function. To add to this, researchers site significant decreases in happiness, increases in anxiety and depression and increased suicidal ideations among many teens and adults alike. Too much screen time also increases your chances of obesity and insomnia.
Other Negative Side Effects of Excessive Screen Time
- Physical strain on your eyes
- Loss of cognitive ability
- Impaired social skills
- Weakened emotional judgment
Do Technology and Screen Time Have Any Positives?
Technology allows us to connect with the outside world like never before. It also offers so many applications and conveniences that make things like finances, grocery shopping and travel so easy.
Like many things, though, technology and screen time is best used in moderation. When used moderately, endless internet articles remain educational, video games remain useful for improving motor skills, and direct-messaging remains a good way to stay in contact with friends around the globe.
How to Manage Screen Time
- Make a schedule. Don’t use screens outside of the allotted time you set for yourself.
- Read a book when you feel bored instead of picking up your phone.
- Turn off push notifications on your smartphone.
- Turn off your phone an hour before bedtime.
Learning how to successfully manage your screentime can be extremely beneficial for your health! If you are in need of medical attention, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Hixson today.
