It seems that screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use our computers, phones, and tablets each day, both at work and at home. In the evening, most of us choose to unwind in front of the TV. But staring at the screen for too long can have a series of negative effects on your health.
According to research, staring at screens for too long can impair your cognitive function and shorten your attention span. Furthermore, staring at the screen for too long can even change the structure of your brain. But too much screen time doesn’t only affect your brain. As a matter of fact, it can have a huge impact on every aspect of your health. Here are three major health risks of spending too much time in front of screens.
1. Metabolic Syndrome
Sedentary lifestyle and staring at the screen for too long tend to go hand-in-hand. As you may know, being sedentary is a major risk factor for the onset of metabolic syndrome. One study thus found a link between the two, noting that exercising after the fact does little to reverse the negative effects of extra screen time.
2. Digital Eye Strain
The screens we look at usually have poor lighting and emit a specific glare. This glare can damage your retina, resulting in a condition known as digital eye strain. To avoid it, you should observe the 20-20-20 rule. After 20 minutes of screen time, take 20 seconds to look at an object that’s 20 feet away from you.
3. Shorter Life Expectancy
Staring at the screen for too long may also cut your life short by a few years. According to research, if you watch TV for six hours a day, you could live up to 10 years less than you otherwise would. Even if you exercise regularly, it won’t make much of a difference.
Final Word
To avoid these health risks, try not to use screens so much outside of work. Make sure to go out for a walk every day and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
