The Impact of 24/7 Connection

Technology has made many advancements in the last few decades and comes with many benefits. We can stay connected with others easier, perform some job responsibilities from home or watch fun videos online to learn how to cook a new recipe or do our own home project. However, being consumed by our electronics can impact our health.

• Brain Health – When you receive a like or a favorable reaction online, it can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, the “feel good” chemical. This can keep us coming back to social media and result in more scrolling time. Social media can also divide our attention, keeping us distracted from a meaningful moment or completing task. Instead of remembering these moments from our memory, often we may find ourselves remembering them through a phone.
• Mental and Social Health – As we look at what others are doing online, you may start to compare yourself to others. Some may feel left out of an event or gathering when they see another’s post about it. These moments can start to impact our feelings, self-esteem and may create anxiety, depression, isolation or stress.
• Physical Health – Increased stress, anxiety and depression can lead to other physical health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. Hours of scrolling time can lead us to be more sedentary, impact our sleep and take away time from healthy activities.

The Power of Unplugging

Starting with small steps can help to decrease your social media and screen time.

• Use an app to track how much time you spend on social media.
• Turn off notifications to keep you from checking your phone more frequently.
• Post photos on social media after the moment is over when you have down time. This can allow you to continue to stay connected to those around you during a special event, trip, or gathering.
• Change Your Focus. When you feel like turning to your phone or social media, choose a different activity instead like reading a book, taking a walk or finding a new hobby that you enjoy.

Unplugging doesn’t just have to apply to your phone. Disconnecting from TV, computers, and your daily job responsibilities can decrease stress, increase self-esteem and help you be present in life’s memorable moments.

• Schedule “screen free” time with your family and friends. Collect everyone’s phones and find an activity to do together like game night or get outside. Talk a walk, enjoy nature and get some vitamin D.
• Visit or travel to a new destination.
• Take breaks from news stories. It’s good to stay informed but constant discouraging information can be upsetting. Consider limiting how many times you check the news throughout the day.
• Express gratitude, practice mindfulness and take time for personal reflection.

Click below to read more in the Highmark Plan for Health Newsletter.