Are you suffering from Electronic Induced Stress?
Here are some ways to tell:
- Does your cell phone feel more like a burden than a convenience intruding too often into your life?
- Has your Blackberry or I-Phone stopped being a tool to stay connected with people you enjoy and become a distraction?
- Does turning your phone off cause anxiety about what you might miss?
- Does your ear feel odd if you aren't wearing the Bluetooth?
- Are you compelled to check for messages every time you pass by your computer or hand-held device?
- Do you find watching television or listening to the news leaves you feeling anxious and tense?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from Electronic Induced Stress!
According to Dr. Joanne Cantor, Ph.D., an expert in the field of the effects of media on the brain, there are good reasons the daily barrage of electronic inputs leave us with jangled nerves and increased stress.
Her research indicates we don't just passively view the information we receive, but rather our brains immediately begin figuring out what we are going to do about it.
Even if we have no intention of acting on the e-mail, your brain begins to figure out a response.
Your brain immediately springs into action when it views an emergency situation on the television news or hears it on the radio.
Your brain is experiencing real fear when you watch a scary movie or television show.
A constant diet of electronic images and information never lets your brain come down from high alert causing the build up of the stress hormone cortisol (editorial note: link to the tip on cortisol). Over time, the build up of cortisol will damage your heart.
Give your body a chance to come down from high alert by unplugging from electronic gadgets and media, here are some ideas:
Quiet mornings & Quiet evenings: Allow your body to wake and drift off to sleep without electronic interruption. Read, listen to music, talk to your spouse, or have a cup of tea for the first and last 30 minutes you are awake. Ban the television from the bedroom, turn off your cell phone, and walk past the computer or hand-held device without checking for messages.
Eat in peace: Your digestive system and dining companions will thank you. Social interaction is essential to good health, as is paying attention to what you eat. Put away the phone and turn off the television.
Take ten: Several times per day, disengage from your electronics, close your eyes and breathe. This will allow your eyes and brain to rest, and refocus.
You body was not built to be on constant high alert. Give your brain a chance to stand down and recover. You may be surprised how much more productive you are after you unplug!
Find more tips and strategies in Eliz's new book The Busy Woman's Guide to a Healthy Heart or on her award winning blog at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.