The Effect Of Technology On Our Bodies

Nobody wants to quite admit what we already know to be the case, but we gotta say it sometimes, and say it aloud:  we are spending way too much time in front of and with technology.  We are in front of our computers, we are on our phones and available to anybody and everybody who wants and needs us.

And then after work, we are so tired that all we have the energy for is being on the couch, binge-watching television before we climb into bed with our phones to finally fall asleep.

It can’t be good for us, and we’ve known this for years that too much screen time leads to a decline in our overall health. It leads to pain in our body – often time lower back pain, neck pain, and aches and pains in our arms and legs, let alone hands and fingers from typing all day.  We all dread the idea of ever hearing the words carpal tunnel.

But now there is a risk that too much texting can also be a problem for individuals who are texting for long periods of time on their phones.  The repetitive motion in holding a phone a certain way is resulting in hand injuries such as tendonitis, arthritis, and other non-diagnosed pain in the hands and the wrists.

Getting Up

We have to get up.  All types of trackers now can remind you every hour to get up from whatever it is that you’re doing to do some type of exercise. Some people choose to walk up and down a few flights of stairs at work, or do some exercises and stretches between and about their home or office.  And more and more people are buying pull up bars to hang in their doorways to do some strength training throughout the day, between and about their regular schedule.

But we have to get up, and if you don’t have a reminder built in, set an alarm because the toll on our bodies is just not worth it.  Short term we may be getting away with it, but long term we will suffer. In fact, even small amounts of exercising can offset sitting for prolonged periods of time.  The data does not point to needing to become a fitness instructor or living at the gym; every little bit of exercise and movement helps and adds up to giving your body a much-needed break.

Turning Our Brains Off

Some of us will make the argument that after working a long day or being at school or whatever it may be, the problem is that we need to just turn off our brains and chill out.  Fair enough, and that is certainly a very understandable feeling which is that we just cannot be engaged anymore during the day.  The day needs to be over.

If that’s the case, then consider making a fitness related purchase for your home – if you have the funds and space.  An exercise bike or treadmill in front of your beloved television may be the answer.  No need to get dressed up to go to the gym and workout.  You just casually include a bit of movement and exercise into the day. Even 20 minutes is great and the cumulative effect will end up being highly worthwhile.

Don’t be fooled.  Turn on the lights – cause we need to address head on the effects of technology on our health and well being.