Phones and computers are taking control of our lives and molding us into pretzels. They are our entertainment and work buddies and don’t even pretend we all don’t use them to avoid a conversation or eye contact with strangers sometimes. But did you know these trusty buddies also bring body aches and pains, and you could be a victim?
Neck cricks and finger cramps—sound familiar?
If you live in your notifications with your neck craned forward like a flamingo, you might have a “text neck.” Our heads weigh roughly 10 to 11 pounds, and constant tilting to scroll on TikTok or send emails gives your spine a heavy load to carry. If you often find yourself rubbing the back of your neck after a long day at work or binge-scrolling it may be time to change the way you operate. Using your phone at eye level takes the strain off your spine. Also, stretching your neck and flexing your shoulders regularly helps to release the built-up pressure.
Our thumbs have become overtime employees— texting, swiping, and unlocking our phones more than a hundred times daily. The results of that are clear—our thumbs start to rebel against the abuse by cramping up. Let’s give them a break.
Many of us are now tech-savvy. So, let’s use other features on our phone, like using Siri to call mommy and asking Bixby to do a quick search. If your phone has a stylus pen, put it to use; after all, it’s not decoration.
Those of us who work with a computer all day know back pain and shrimp shape may be our issue. Spine strain is no joke. Being hunched over a desk all day can cost a lot of medical bills.
We all must earn a living, but it should not come at the cost of damaging our health. Doing regular stretches helps with the tension in our backs. Let’s channel our inner royal and work on our posture. Investing in a comfortable chair is a good first move.
Our devices are now indispensable, even though they make many of us feel 50 before reaching 30. So since we cannot escape them, let’s practice better use. Taking breaks during the day can limit our tech use. Find more physical activities or engage in that conversation with the coworker we have been avoiding.
Phones and computers are incredible, but let’s not let them turn us into sore, stiff, digital-age zombies. Don’t be afraid to utilize that power button.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we will take a break to ease that pain in our neck.