Although you might know many of the basic ways that you can keep your body healthy, the digital age has presented many more challenges to health, caused by the use of screens and an excess of blue light, to name just one example. To ensure that you can use technology safely and prevent your body from seeing any harmful side effects, here are some top steps that you can take.
Invest in Computer Glasses
One of the most important parts of the body that technology and screen usage can damage are your eyes, with computers also often causing eyestrain and migraines, especially if you do not have the right prescription glasses. There are many ways that you can keep your eyes safe from screens, though, and this includes using eye drops to moisten your eyes, performing regular eye exercises, and following the 20-20-20 rule. If your eyesight does start to be affected by the screens that you are using, you should consider investing in the right prescription computer glasses for you. At just-glasses.co.uk, their selection of spectacles can bar blue light from affecting your eyes and can lessen the strain that you experience, which can be particularly useful for those who work with screens.
Adjust Your Screen
When you are looking for ways to stay healthy while using technology, one of the most important measures that you can take is to create a relaxing and comfortable environment for you to enjoy and use technology. A large part of this is creating a desktop that is suited to your body, including your height. For instance, you should adjust the direction and height of your screen so that it is level with your face, and so that it escapes any glare from windows in your room. This can prevent eye strain and poor posture from stooping to type or see the screen. You should also look at changing the brightness of your screen. However, you should be aware that turning this down too much can lead to more eyestrain if you are unable to read easily. You should also check your settings for font and text size to make sure that your word processing software and internet browsers use the settings that are best for you.
Get Ergonomic Furniture
In addition to simply adjusting your screen, you should also consider splashing out on ergonomic chairs for your study area. Ergonomic chairs can be adjusted for your needs and enable you to sit comfortably yet correctly at your screen. These can then help prevent injuries caused by incorrect posture. You might also consider installing a standing desk, which can help you to avoid leading an incredibly sedentary lifestyle and can allow you to use your screen from a more comfortable standing position if you begin to feel stiff. You should also make your seating area comfortable with cushions and blankets.
Prioritize Sleep
Blue light is known to affect sleep, particularly in teens, as it blocks the hormone melatonin, which is what makes your body get ready for sleep. Not only does it prevent you from getting to sleep, but it can lead to you not having enough REM sleep, or, in simple terms, the good kind of sleep. This can then lead you to feel tired throughout the next day. To sleep better and still use tech, you should stop using screens an hour or so before bed, avoid putting your mobile phone next to your bed, and create a calming environment in your bedroom.
Keep a Check on Mental Health
Screens and mental health are not a match made in heaven. From social media to an increasing difficulty to connect with the present and other people, technology can often lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Then, when you are using screens, you should keep an eye on your mental health, and limit any triggers that you believe are impacting your mood. You should also speak to your doctor if you are struggling in general, as they may be able to give you individualized advice or refer you to a specialist. Not only this, but it is easy to become addicted to your mobile. Then, you should turn off push notifications, set a specific time to use tech in, and delete any apps that you are spending too much time on.
Put Tech Down
Although this might seem a step too far for some, the simplest route to staying healthy with tech is to put your tech down. Although this might be easier said than done, setting screen limits on your phone and finding alternative activities that you enjoy can help you to minimize the health effects of screens while also allowing you to reconnect with the world that is right in front of you.
