All posts by Sophie Merritt-Drew

Whether it is for entertainment, education or work, people often spend countless hours weekly in front of digital screens.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased dependency of digital screens. They allow friends and family to stay connected and for employees to work from home.

However, now that COVID-19 vaccines are allowing people to gather in-person again and go back to the office, you might consider spending less time on your screen to improve your wellbeing.

Many people are unaware of the number of ways excessive screen time can cause health risks. By reducing your time spent on tech, you’ll experience benefits like:

1. Boost your physical health.

Physical activity is essential for your health – however your phone and computer could be cutting into your exercise time.

Reducing screen time can improve your physical health by:

• Freeing up more time for exercise and socializing
• Improving sleep
• Reducing eye strain
• Avoiding headaches
• Helping prevent obesity and conditions related to excess weight

2. More time for leisure activities.

Disconnecting from your phone and going outside or doing an activity you enjoy can be a tremendous mood booster. It can improve your well-being and make you feel more satisfied with your day.

Having fun and exploring the world is an important part of living. Instead of dedicating so much time to digital screens, encourage yourself and your family to try new activities. Perhaps go for a walk in the park, a bike ride, visit your local museum or explore a nature trail. Activities that don’t involve your devices can be just as fun.

3. Make social connections.

Social connections can decrease anxiety and depression, help us balance our emotions, encourage higher self-esteem and empathy and improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we risk our health.

4. Improve your mood.

If you are steadily providing your brain with new information to manage until right before you sleep (scrolling through social media, reading from a kindle), then your stress levels are going to be high. Studies have found that stopping screen time a few hours before sleep resulted in reduced levels of anxiety and stress. This will also often lead to waking up happier.

5. Build a community.

Being a part of a community and wanting to feel connected to others is human nature. Feeling a sense of belonging and being social is a good way to manage your stress. Having support and feeling that you are not alone can help you manage difficult times in life.

There are many ways to get connected, consider these ways to get involved: Turn off electronics during meals or family time to eliminate distractions. Find events in your community (Volunteer, join a sports team, etc.) or plan a family fun day (game night, BBQ, etc).

Technology is undeniably a great tool, but it can interfere with your wellbeing and make you feel disconnected from the people around you. Taking a break from digital screens frees up more time to be active and enjoy time with loved ones. Why not give it a try?

Summer time has arrived and with it the added need for us to take extra care of our necks, backs and spines to avoid pain and injury…

If the arrival of sunshine has caused you to pack away your winter jumpers and, instead, pull out your racket, shin pads or helmet for a bout of summer activities, remember to take note of these simple steps to ensure you steer clear of any unwanted pain and discomfort.

RUNNERS can avoid injury by regular stretching of the tendons and wearing good shoes with shock-absorbing features.

RACKET-SPORTS PLAYERS should be wary of playing through the pain of Tennis Elbow. Tennis Elbow is in fact an overuse injury, caused by repetitive movements at the wrist forcing the thumb outwards and the palm upwards. Continuing to play will only exacerbate the problem.

GOLFERS are particularly prone to lower back injuries. Graphite clubs and soft spiked shoes will help absorb the shock which can bring on back injury. Your chiropactor can suggest appropriate warm-ups and exercises, and help you work on an alternative swing.

GARDENERS commonly suffer from aches and pains, but they can avoid lower back trouble by kneeling on one leg rather than bending from the hips, keeping the back hollow whilst digging, and varying tasks throughout the day to avoid repetition injury.

DIY, like gardening, is often far-removed from everyday activities. When the sun is shining many will want to get out in the garden and get on with the long list of DIY jobs that have piled up over the winter months. Enthusiasts often injure their back by inhabitual exertion, so when lifting, take the weight on bent legs, keeping the back straight.