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5 Reasons to Put Your Smartphone Down and Look Up

5 Reasons to Put Your Smartphone Down and Look Up
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Smartphones are useful, we aren’t denying it. They are crucial in emergencies, great for uncovering information, help us connect with friends and family, function as a flashlight, tell us the time, provide an alarm in the morning, and serve as a camera in addition to functioning as an actual phone. But, a recent study calculated that the average person spends 90 minutes a day on their phone. That adds up to 4 years of their life looking at their phone!

 

We offer 5 reasons to put your phone down and look up at the world around you.

  1. In the 90 minutes you may spend on your phone each day, surely at least 30 of those minutes could have been spent exercising. Unless you are using an app to work out to, put the phone down and get moving. Run, walk, bike, swim, lift weights, do yoga, or whatever exercise you like; just do it. You’ve now found the time.
  2. Texting, talking, and using smartphone while driving is unsafe and illegal in most states. Many accidents are caused by drivers distracted by their phones. Put your phone down in the car.
  3. Using a smartphone in public makes you less approachable. People are less likely to start a conversation with you while you are using your phone. While sometimes that may be your goal, other times you could be missing out on friendships and business relations. Smartphones are making us more socially impaired than our predecessors. Try putting down your phone and talking to someone face to face.
  4. The world can literally be passing you by. It’s all around you if you look up. You may think your smartphone is a good way to pass the time on a plane, train, or car ride, but while looking at the screen, you miss the world going by you. You could miss a new restaurant opening near your, or landmarks, funny signs, mountains, animals, or a rainbow, not to mention your exit.
  5. Using a smartphone at night can prevent you from getting a restful sleep. First, the blue light emitted from screens may reduce your ability to fall asleep. Also, the time you spend on your phone is time you don’t spend sleeping. Many Americans report getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep each night. By putting your phone down and heading to bed, you increase your chances of getting the rest you need.

The above list of reasons to put down your smartphone is offered by Dr. Shillingford, M.D., P.A., a board certified general surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic and obesity surgery. Dr. Shillingford’s practice is located in Boca Raton, Florida. His sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable lap band patients often come from all over Florida including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Miami Beach, Wellington, Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. In addition to offering bariatric surgery and follow up appointments, Dr. Shillingford encourages his patients to make positive changes in their lives to help them achieve their goals. Finding time for exercise, enjoying life, fostering positive relationships, and improving your sleep can make positive differences in your life if you look up from your phone to do them.