Most of us would be lying if we said we weren’t addicted to our phones.
Studies show that 81% of people own a smartphone. With a whopper, 1.86 million monthly users on Facebook alone do we need some proper guidelines on just how much time on screens we should be having.
One rule I like to loosely adhere to is putting my phone away at 8 pm. There are huge health benefits and I feel when I stick to it I really reap the rewards.
Here are some reasons why you should turn your phone off between 8 pm and 8 am
It helps you fall asleep
The blue light emitted from smartphones suppress the body’s natural ability to produce melatonin. This hormones main function is to help aid sleep. The blue light from smartphones can affect this. Studies show you should refrain from looking at screens at least one hour before bed to help you fall asleep naturally and easily. If you do have to use your phone experts advise using a blue light filter at night time to block a portion of the blue light emitted.
If you find you can’t sleep try to resist the temptation to check your phone. This can actually have the opposite effect and causes your mind to become active making sleep even more difficult than before.
Reading a book or some light yoga is a great way to wind down and get the body ready for some sleep.
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Better quality of sleep
Studies show that using a smartphone in bed significantly impacts your REM sleep. Rapid Eye Movement sleep is the restorative part of our sleep and it plays an important role in storing our long-term memories. It also has an effect on our creative and problem-solving skills.
Not having a good quality of sleep over time can cause serious physical and mental health issues. Lack of good quality sleep can be a risk factor for obesity, diabetes, dementia, anxiety and depression.
Turning your phone off at 8 pm to avoid all of this doesn’t sound too bad now, does it?
You will wake up refreshed and rejuvenated
Studies have shown that people who use their phones in bed wake up feeling like they haven’t had a full night’s sleep. Less motivated and groggy.
Leaving your phone off until you have started your day also has huge benefits. Not having your phone beside you means you get up quicker and easier in the mornings. You start the day off less overwhelmed than you would be opening emails and messages, all before you have ever had a coffee.
Not having your phone in the bedroom forces you to prioritize yourself and get yourself prepared for the day. It encourages you to deal with your notifications later when you can give them your full attention. It also leaves you feeling less overwhelmed.
Keeping your phone out of the bedroom and putting your phone on airplane mode or shutting it off completely will only benefit you in the long run. It will make you more mindful, calm, focused, and productive.
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As a phone and social media addict, it will take some time to get used to but trust me: the benefits are well worth the effort.
