The Silent Screen Time Thief: How Technology is Impacting Your Health
In the age of smartphones, tablets, and computers, it's no secret that screen time has become an integral part of our daily lives. But what many of us don't realize is the subtle yet significant impact this increased exposure can have on our physical health.
A Decade of Digital Dominance
Welcome to the year 2024, and the average American spends a staggering 7 hours and 3 minutes per day in front of screens (which is 7 minutes more than the global average) according the BACKLINKO.
This is a far cry from the early 1990s when computers were primarily confined to offices and homes. The proliferation of mobile devices has made it easier than ever to stay connected, but it has also led to a dramatic increase in screen time.
The Decline of Physical Education
As screen time has soared, physical education programs in schools have unfortunately seen a decline.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of high school students participating in daily physical education classes decreased from 42% in 1990 to 33% in 2016.
According to the CDC, In 2017, 51.7% of high school students attended physical education classes in an average week,
and only 29.9% of high school students attended physical education classes daily.
This decline can be attributed to factors such as budget cuts, increased academic pressures, and a shift in priorities.
The Silent Screen Time Thief
While the obvious risks associated with excessive screen time, such as eye strain and neck pain, are well-known, there are more subtle effects that can impact our health without our even realizing it.
For example, prolonged sitting can lead to
• poor posture
• muscle weakness
• increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Additionally, the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
Breaking Free from the Screen's Grip
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to reduce our screen time and prioritize our physical health. Here are a few tips:
Set limits: Establish specific times for screen use and stick to them.
Create designated screen-free zones: Designate areas in your home where electronics are not allowed, such as the bedroom or dining table.
Find alternative activities: Explore hobbies and interests that don't involve screens, such as reading, hiking, or playing sports.
Take regular breaks: When using screens, make sure to take frequent breaks to stretch and move around.
Similar to you, this is new to me too and i’m battling the same battles with screen time as anyone else.
What has helped me a lot was putting my phone down, in a different room, and if needed turning the phone off until said task was complete.
I share these in hope to inspire one of you to take action and help you get closer to your fitness and health goals.
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