It’s tough for most of us to imagine even an hour passing without checking our phones, nevermind an entire day. As a society, we have become so dependent on our devices — cell phones being the biggest culprits — that we are routinely putting our health at risk without even realizing it. While there are many physical, psychological, and emotional concerns associated with this constant connectivity, the one we see more often than not presents as bad posture.
Despite what your mother might have told you, bad posture isn’t just an aesthetic issue. Bad posture comes with a host of physical concerns that can be avoided by awareness.
Look Up and Straighten Up
Whether seated at our desks, strolling down the street, or standing in line at the local coffee shop, most of us spend far too much time with our necks craned down, our eyes locked on our screens. Given the amount of time we spend texting, reading emails, or mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds, before long we exhibit problematic posture.
The problem here is more than simple slouching, the kind of stern reminder many of us heard as kids to “stand up straight.” Weakened posture can cause serious physical ailments including headaches and tight muscles, which often lead to neck, shoulder, and lower back pain.
In order to combat these negative effects of technology and, specifically, cell phone use, we must swap out mindless scrolling with mindfulness. By paying attention to our physical stance and comfort, and remembering the trouble with technology when it comes to our health, we can adjust — literally.
Before you reach for your phone, remind yourself to check in and adjust your posture accordingly. Standing up straight and pulling your chin back so that your ears are over your shoulders equals proper alignment, releasing tightness in your neck, shoulders, and back.
Of course, the best way to rebalance yourself is to take a break from your personal devices whenever and as often as possible. Prioritize your posture and physical wellbeing over constant connectedness in order to enjoy better alignment, reduce tension, and even stand a tad taller.
Take an even stronger step towards mastering mindful technology habits by contacting our office for an evaluation. Contact us today to get started!