Self-Care & Cell Phones

Emotional Health, Health & Wellness Article, Mental Health, Physical Health, Self Improvement

Your Brain Needs a Time-Out

As a part of my self-care plan, I recently took the train from NJ to MA to visit family. I thought that taking the train would be less stressful versus flying or driving. In the past, passengers would take time to relax, read, look out the window, and even dose off.

What I found was quite different. I observed passengers talking on their cell phones in the station, the platform, and on the train. Most who used earphones, talked continuously – for hours. The train left Providence RI just before 5 pm arriving NJ sound 8:30 pm. Many of the passengers were leaving work. But did they leave work? The answer is no. A few used their phones to talk about business the entire way.

We need time to transition to personal time, to de-stress, to process the day, and to be bored. Our brain needs a time out.

Why?

Excessive cell phone usage leads to insomnia, stress, affects memory, even leads to depression, destroys focus and concentration, and affects posture. And that does not include the possibility of harmful effects from the electronics on your health.

Take Time for Yourself

Monitor your cell phone usage using the software available on your phone. Use the commuting time to de-stress and look at the landscape if you use public transportation. Set aside time after work for personal time.

The property next to my families house had a long driveway with signs posted saying, “Absolutely no work beyond this point.” What a great reminder that the business day is over.

If you would like help on your wellness journey, schedule a private consultation.