Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a digital wellness revolution that isn’t going away anytime soon even as the world opened back up last year. We saw 2022 as a year that focused on self-care and embracing a big digital detox, with everyone taking time to prioritize themselves.
Moving forward to 2023, the emphasis now shifts toward achieving balance. As we return to our pre-pandemic routines, our focus should be on maintaining our wellness and self-awareness journeys while keeping up with our day-to-day lives. With that said, here are digital health trends to take with you into 2023.
Technology Addiction and How it’s Affecting Our Daily Lives
From spending hours on social media to constantly checking our phones, we have become addicted to technology and are struggling to maintain a healthy balance. In fact, the Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021, reports that teenagers between the ages of 13-18 spent an average of 8.4 hours per day using screen media in 2021, which includes activities such as watching TV and online videos, playing video games, and viewing social media. This represents an increase from 7.2 hours per day in 2019!
One of the biggest issues with our relationship with tech addiction is how it’s affecting our mental health. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It can also interfere with our ability to focus, be present at the moment, and engage in meaningful social interactions.
Constantly looking at screens can also affect us physically, causing eye strain, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns. In addition, sedentary behavior associated with technology use has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions.
Tech Addiction and EMF Exposure
There is a growing understanding that tech addiction and exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation are interconnected issues. Our electronic devices rely on EMF to function, and as these devices become more integrated into our daily lives, our exposure to EMF radiation also increases. This relationship means that the issues of tech addiction and EMF exposure are inseparable.
It’s also important to note that in 2011, WHO (World Health Organization) and IARC (International agency for research on Cancer) declared radiofrequency radiation (RFR) to be cancer-causing.
Why is Digital Health Important?
Embracing digital wellness practices enables us to strike a balance between our digital and offline lives, maintain social connections, increase productivity, and reduce the risk of negative outcomes such as tech addiction. With the increasing use of digital devices in our daily lives, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact they have on our wellbeing.
With that said, we listed down the top 9 Digital Health Trends you may want to bring along with you for the rest of the year.
Top Digital Health Trends of 2023
1. Taking a Digital Detox
Taking a break from technology is not a new concept, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. More and more people are now realizing the benefits of unplugging and taking a break from screens.
Temporarily disconnecting from our phones, laptops and other devices whether that be a day, a weekend, or even longer brings a number of benefits. The goal of a digital detox is to reduce the negative effects of technology on our mental and physical health, such as eye strain, sleep disruption, and social media addiction. By taking a break from screens, we can reconnect with the world around us, engage in more meaningful activities, and improve our overall well-being.
2. Consider Using Mindfulness Apps
Want to feel calmer, create some headspace, and practice daily mindfulness? There are apps for that!
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. This year, we can expect to see more mindfulness apps that help people cultivate mindfulness practices in their daily lives. These apps will include features like guided meditations, breathing exercises, and daily affirmations.
3. Screen Time Tracking
From paying bills to grocery shopping, there's hardly anything that cannot be done through our phones. Nevertheless, if you find yourself spending too much screen time, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are numerous apps available that can help you regain control and achieve a sense of balance in your digital life.
This year, we can expect to see more screen time trackers that help people monitor their digital usage and set limits to promote a healthy balance between technology and real life.
4. Investing in a Standing Desk
We've all been there — being hunched over a computer, typing for hours on end, and the impending back pain. If you've ever found yourself in this uncomfortable position, you've probably considered the potential benefits of standing while working. Standing desks and treadmill desks have gained popularity in recent years as a way to combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Advocates of standing desks point to studies showing that after a meal, blood sugar levels return to normal faster on days a person spends more time standing. And standing, rather than sitting, may reduce the risk of shoulder and back pain.
5. Creating a Tech- Free Sanctuary
Creating an EMF-free environment can greatly benefit your sleep, meditation, and productivity by minimizing distractions. It's best to avoid setting up your home office in your bedroom. However, if you must do so, make sure to turn off and unplug all electronic devices before going to bed. This way, you can create a peaceful and distraction-free space that promotes restful sleep and allows for focused work.
6. Unplugging Electronics When Not in Use
Many devices, such as televisions, computers, and appliances, emit EMF radiation even when they are turned off. By unplugging these devices, you can help reduce your exposure to EMF radiation.
7. Switching Off Your Phone or Put it on Airplane Mode
Any time you spend sleeping is when you should have the EMF-emitting technologies in your home turned off. While keeping these devices on may be more convenient, it only takes a few extra minutes to turn them off and prevent hours of unnecessary EMF exposure.
Have the Wi-Fi router off for the night if no one’s using it, and turn on Airplane Mode for your phone or tablet to prevent them from transmitting a wireless or cellular signal while you sleep. You should also remove any unnecessary wireless devices from your bedroom.
8. Taking Work Breaks
Taking breaks from hours of sitting in front of your computer screen or phone is essential. Consider stepping away from electronic devices every few hours. You could take a walk outside, which can help ground you and expose your body to positive frequencies. And remember, mindlessly scrolling through your phone during lunch breaks does not count as a break!
9. Using EMF Shielding Clothing or Apparel
Consider using a shield like EMF-blocking apparel like belly bands, scarves, and hooded ponchos that are designed to reduce the amount of EMF radiation you are exposed to. Examples of EMF-shielding clothing are EMF-blocking hats, ponchos, scarves, beanies, blankets and even phone pouches.
Checkout Radia Smart’s EMF shielding products here.
True Customer's Review
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References:
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/digital-wellbeing
https://www.embarkbh.com/blog/what-is-technology-addiction/
https://destinationdeluxe.com/10-wellness-trends-2023/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-apps-for-limiting-your-screen-time/
https://www.ohow.com/2021/02/08/standing-desk-ergonomics-7-benefits-of-standing-at-work/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/mindfulness-apps-how-well-do-they-work-2018110615306
