Technology is such an integral part of our lives–from the bathroom to the bedroom and everywhere in between. A recent poll found that more than 50% of Canadians spend at least two hours on their phones each day. That number is considerably higher right now.
Bust as with any aspect of life, bad habits can form if you aren’t vigilant. Here are a few of the bad tech habits we all need to break.
Slouching in front of the computer
Tech neck is real! Pain in the shoulders, neck, upper back or headaches can all be linked to slouching in front of computer screens. Slouching is a terrible habit that can have long-term negative consequences such as poor posture, pinched nerves, arthritis, bone spurs and a weakened abdomen.
One way to see if you’re slouching is to place a mirror next to your desk so you can see your side profile. If your shoulders aren’t directly under your ears, you are slouching. The good news is that you can fix your posture pretty easily.
First, move the screen closer to you instead of leaning in to see better. You could also increase the font size. Whenever you use a mobile device, make sure you hold it at eye level without bending your neck. This will take some practice to get into the habit of but your back and neck will thank you!
Lastly, take breaks from your desk. Set a timer or install an app so that you get a reminder every hour to stand up, stretch, and give your eyes a break from the screen.
Spending too much time on screens
As fun as it can be to play Kwazy Cupcakes and scroll through social media, it can also eat up a lot of time. And too much time on screens has been linked to depression.
Thankfully, there are so many ways you can set healthy limits for your screen time use.
You can put your family’s devices in a drawer during family dinners. You can opt to go for a walk (without your phone) during your lunchbreak.
Ironically, there are apps you can install to track and limit your usage.
Studies show that having a phone in your bedroom affects your sleep and your wellness. Start leaving your phone in the kitchen to charge overnight. You may need to buy a simple alarm clock to help you wake up on time.
Finally, turn off your notifications. Getting pop-ups for apps, texts, and social media notifications is a small but strong lure to get you to pick up your device. By turning notifications off, you will be in charge of when you look at your phone.
Being lax about online security
Too many people don’t take their online security seriously. Cybercrime is serious and can derail your life. Take the proper precautions by securing your online accounts.
Use strong and unique passwords for each account and be careful about how and why you share your personal information.
Remember, you are in control of the boundaries you set for your tech use. And the more boundaries you have, the better balance you’ll enjoy in your life.
What other tech habits should we all consider breaking? Let us know in the comments.
Mary Chapman
Graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honors BA English Specialization and has completed several publishing courses at Ryerson University. She is a proofreader, editor, and content writer based in London, Ontario.