As if you needed yet another reason to disconnect, here it comes: technology is harming your skin. It turns out blue light, electromagnetic fields, and the simple posture and facial movements required during screen time does more than just expose you to radiation but actually starts to etch at your vibrant and beautiful complexion. Here are five ways tech is getting into and under your skin.

1. Tech Neck

Experts have been using the term “tech neck” to refer to the drooping jowls, sagging skin, wrinkles, and a crease above the clavicle bone that result from the act of constantly checking our phones. Every time you look down at your phone, you are essentially doubling down on the effects of gravity on your lower face, throat, and neck. The squinting doesn’t help either, as it can lead to crow’s feet. Dermatologists are witnessing the usually age-related symptoms of “tech neck” in people as young as 18 years old!

Try holding your devices at eye level to avoid tech neck. Meanwhile, enlarge the font on your phone so you don’t have to squint to read.

2. Blue Light

The blue light on your phone and computer can affect your ability to fall asleep, but it is actually doing more than just that! This high-energy visible (HEV) light penetrates your skin deeper than UV rays do and ultimately affects your DNA. This can lead to premature aging. To avoid this, search for a moisturizer that specifically protects against HEV light.

3. Electromagnetic Fields

Your tech devices also emit an electronic magnetic field (EMF) that damage skin cells. The skin absorbs these frequencies and is compromised because of it. The best way to offset this is to regularly detoxify your skin with at-home or spa facials that go deep, accessing the recesses of your skin’s layers that EMF (unfortunately) so effectively does.

4. Allergies

According to one study, nickel and chromium in cell phone casings can cause an allergic skin reaction for some people and some 10% of children. Be sure to purchase a protective plastic cover and use a headset or speakerphone when possible.

5. Acne

Your cell phone contains 10-times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Unfortunately, these bacteria can easily transfer to your face, either when you are holding your cell phone to your face, or from your fingers, which go from swiping and clicking the screen to touching and rubbing your face. To remedy this, disinfect your screen often!

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Science has finally discovered a fool-proof way to detect just how ripe a tomato is.

And, yes. Humans can figure out if a tomato is ripe with their hands and eyes. But this technology is so advanced it could reduce large-scale food waste.

The technology

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country discovered the new technique. The highly specific procedure uses a portable Raman spectrometer, which Modern Farmer says can measure the ripeness of a tomato down to a granular level.

The spectrometer is so precise that in time, it could help farmers pick produce at the best possible time, which would allow fruit to ripen when it gets to a market—not after.

Is this technology necessary?

It may not seem like this new technique is necessary. After all, humans have been detecting tomato ripeness on their own for years.

But because this technology is so precise, it could reduce food waste.

“Grocery stores won’t sell over or under-ripe tomatoes,” Maat van Uitert, backyard gardening expert and author, says.

“So if a farmer can determine when their tomatoes are about to reach peak ripeness, chances are that a higher-quality, and healthier, product will be delivered to the consumer.”

In addition to reducing food waste, tomatoes picked at the height of ripeness contain a higher nutritional value than over or under-ripe tomatoes, van Uitert adds.

Tips for home tomato growers

Not all of us are lucky enough to have technology that can help us find perfectly ripe tomatoes. Luckily, all you really have to do to find ripe tomatoes in your garden is use your hands and eyes.

Easily discover if a tomato is ripe by gently squeezing it with your thumb on one side, and your four fingers on the other. The tomato should have a little give. So, if there’s no give, it’s not quite ripe, Varda Epstein, part-time gardener and communications writer at Kars4Kids, says.

A tomato is over-ripe if its skin has split, it smells sour, or is overly soft.

And remember: Don’t refrigerate tomatoes. Store them stem-side down and eventually, they’ll ripen. You can help the process along by placing under-ripe tomatoes in a sunny window or a paper bag.

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In addition to drastically reducing waste, improving the building process, and improving lives, the introduction of 3D printed homes could also extend the dream of home ownership for millions.

The Problem

Having your home built is a multi-faceted procedure. It’s exciting and rewarding, for sure, but it’s also quite often–like, 99.9 percent often–a stressful and time-consuming undertaking. From the delays in production time to the endless budget increases thanks to unforeseen expenses, the residential building process is good at draining emotional reserves and financial resources.

In the most exhaustive study on residential construction waste, the EPA reported that 136 million tons of debris was generated by construction and demolition (C&D) waste in 1996. Of the number, 43 percent was a result of residential C&D waste. And of that 43 percent, 55 came from renovations, 34 from demolition, and 11 from construction. Furthermore, a residential construction and demolition (C&D) waste study conducted by the Houston Advanced Research Center showed that 90 percent of the C&D waste that accrues in landfills is actually reusable or recyclable.

Also alarming are the OSHA statistics regarding construction workers. Approximately 40,000 injuries occur on residential construction sites each year, with framing contractors (an essential aspect of typical home building) being particularly prone to injury (double that of construction workers overall—11 percent vs. 5 percent).

While you could always opt for a contractor that emphasizes recycling C&D waste and hope for the best, imagine if there were a way to construct the home of your dreams with virtually zero waste, zero stress, and far fewer injuries (including on your bank account). Enter: 3D printed homes.

In addition to fulfilling the needs of home buyers already on the market, this avenue would open up affordable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable homes to millions of individuals who would never have had the opportunity to own a home before, including the approximate 1.56 million individuals in the United States who are homeless.

The Solution

Apis Cor is revolutionizing the housing industry by being the “first company to develop a mobile construction 3D printer which is capable of printing whole buildings completely on site.”

Late 2016 announced the completion of the first fully 3D printed home in Russia. The approximately 400 square foot home was erected in 24 hours and cost just $10,134 to build. The total included the home’s foundation, walls, floor, roof, wiring, windows and doors, and exterior and interior finishes. The machine itself can be transported in the back of a truck, uses just eight kilowatts of energy, is extremely efficient in terms of waste and energy, and can be set up in 30 minutes.

The team purposely chose challenging variables in order to test the efficiency and viability of the process. The single-story residential home was constructed during the coldest time of the year, and the curvaceous layout of the design was complex compared to typical square shape. The additive technology has no restrictions on the design of new buildings, which means the house can be any shape. And although the temperature initially set back the printer’s ability to use its “ink,” or concrete mixture, the problem was remedied by erecting a tent to insulate the site.

Things like windows, insulation, steel reinforcements, cabinets, paint, and appliances were installed or applied by workers, but nearly everything else was automated. The finished result was a safe, modern, and inviting home just like you’d expect from the traditional building process. And, in comparison to typical costs, the 3D printer’s ability to construct load-bearing walls and partitions saves around 70 percent when compared to the block construction method, not to mention the lack of physical labor needed.

The Future

Apis Cor isn’t the only innovative company attempting to extend affordable 3D printed homes to everyone. According to BBC, WinSun, a firm in China 3D printed ten full-sized, detached single-story homes in a single day. And perhaps the most ambitious is Contour Crafting. The company’s prototype reportedly built a 2,500 square foot home in only 20 hours. But that’s not all. There is already a proposed plan set forth by the company to extend the operation to other planets, stating the intention to “build safe, reliable, and affordable lunar and Martian structures, habitats, laboratories, and other facilities before the arrival of human beings.”  Apis Cor’s inventor Nikita Chen-yun-tai is also interested in otherworldly construction, saying “we are ready to be the first to start building on Mars.”

The construction and real estate industries have hindered people and the environment for decades. However, with revolutionary technology like the introduction of 3D printed homes, the world as we know it could be impacted for the better. From our inner circles to outer space, we can’t wait for this automated process to change the way we live.

What do you think of the 3D printing process? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Plants aren’t easy to manage. That’s why many of us are thankful that technology exists that makes plant management easier.

Take a look at one of these technological advances below.

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Surprise! No, it’s not your birthday, but it is your lucky day because we’ve got the lowdown on a handful of the latest time-saving apps to turn your hectic life into a well-oiled machine.

Time is precious, and nowadays it seems like we have less and less of it to spare. Fortunately, though, we’ve rounded up several time-saving apps that will help you live life more efficiently, therefore allowing you to hang on to one of your most precious resources. While it’s easy for us to feel overloaded by the use of technology–and it may seem counterintuitive for us to suggest using your smartphone more often–but rest assured that these programs are designed to help, not hinder, your life.

Whether you’re a busy mom, single professional, small business owner, or something else entirely, we’re confident that you’ll be able to glean something from one of these apps. So without keeping you any longer, because this is all about saving time (duh), let’s get this show on the road.

1. Waze

I can’t think of anyone who’s ever been driving down an open road just wishing they were sitting in rush hour traffic. And while the GPS and other map applications have been around for some time now, Waze is a great alternative option that’s special because it offers its users real time directions that will take you down the nearest side streets and back roads diverting you away from the bumper to bumper traffic and into the fast lane.

2. Shyp

Ever been to the post office and felt like your head would explode from impatience? Okay, maybe that’s a little melodramatic, but waiting in line is no joke, especially during the holidays. Enter Shyp, the handy app that lets you snap a pic of your parcel, get an estimate, and then just like that someone magically shows up to your door to pick up your stuff. As if it couldn’t get any better, this app also lets you compare prices among carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, which includes the cost of packaging.

3. Doctor on Demand

For when you can’t WebMD your symptoms, but you’re not exactly at death’s door, Doctor on Demand is a revolutionary new app that changes the way we receive medical care. Rather than sit, and sit, and sit some more in an uncomfortable waiting room for hours, you’ll be connected with a board-certified physician, psychologist, or more via video chat from your smartphone. According to the iTunes app store, visits are only $40 and the doctors can diagnose and treat most conditions in the comfort of your own home.

4. My Dressing

Capsule wardrobe wearers, minimalists, and even clothes hoarders rejoice! This fashion forward app lets you create and keep track of outfit combinations using the items straight from your own closet. Snap photos of individual pieces and easily isolate them within the program before pairing up with accessories, shoes, handbags, and other items that you own. This is a great little time saver because you can pre-plan outfits and never have to guess at what to wear again.

5. Zirtual

For those times when you could use a personal assistant occasionally but not full time, Zirtual has virtual helpers for hire that are ready to cross things off your to do list. The staff can complete business or residential related tasks, like travel coordination, scheduling and calendar management, appointment set-up, and event planning. You’ll receive a dedicated assistant once you decide on a package based on the amount of hours needed each month.

6. Care Zone

We’ve all probably needed medication at one time or another, and anyone with a family knows that keeping track of who takes what, when, and how much can quickly become a time and energy zapper, not to mention confusing. The Care Zone app is the solution to all of those problems. It allows users to keep lists of medications, dosages, and schedules on your phone at all times. You can store discharge instructions, therapy appointments, doctor’s notes, and even keep a journal of your symptoms and/or progress. Plus, you can securely and privately share all of the info with your spouse or other trusted party.

Take your life back and start freeing up resources with these great, time-saving apps that may also save your sanity. Have you test driven any of these apps? Are there any time savers on your smartphone that you just can’t live without? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post 6 Time-Saving Apps that Will Also Save Your Sanity appeared first on EcoSalon.

Our Father’s Day gift guide will appeal to a range of different dad’s – from the health nut to the geeky guy, we’ve got something for everyone.

For the special man in your life, whether it’s the father of your children, your own dearest dad, or a surrogate father figure, show him how much you care with a small token of appreciation. Whether he’s into an organic and sustainable lifestyle or not, our Father’s Day gift guide still has mass appeal and is a great jumping off point for some really special and unique presents for Pops.

1. The Grillmaster

If your Dad is a vegetarian or vegan, that doesn’t mean he has to give up one of his favorite pastimes. Cracking open a beer, sporting his favorite apron, and firing up the grill is not only possible, but also delicious and healthy with one of these meat-free cookbooks. Depending on dietary preferences, we recommend the highly rated “Cookouts Veggie Style!: 225 Backyard Favorites – Full of Flavor, Free of Meat” or “Grilling Vegan Style: 125 Fired-Up Recipes to Turn Every Bite into a Backyard BBQ.”

2. The Dapper Dad

For the dad that’s always dressed to the nines, impeccably groomed, and smelling great, then the Herban Cowboy line of men’s all natural cologne and grooming products should be right up his alley. Not only are we loving this popular dusk blend fragrance that’s both organic and cruelty-free, but the ethical brand also offers shaving cream, soap, lotion, deodorant, and more.

3. The Adventurer

When the great outdoors is when Dad is truly in his element, then perhaps some upgraded camping gear will brighten his day. The Encampment 15 from Big Agnes is a synthetic sleeping bag that features Insotect Hotstream insulation, comprised of one hundred percent recycled material, which is said to feel as warm and as soft as down insulation. Now, Dad can still do rugged, manly things while having a soft spot to sleep. Maybe he can even convince you to tag along.

4. The Hipster

If Dad is a trend slayer on the regular and loves to dress in the latest styles, then a hip and handy messenger bag might be just the thing to complete his outfits this year. For a cross-body tote that he can carry to the office or to the park, choose The Quintessential Commuter from Blue Lounge. Perfect for a bicycle ride, subway commute, and more, this messenger bag is made entirely from plastic bottles, water-resistant, and hardwearing.

5. The Sporty Father

The All Out Crush running shoe from Merrell will have your fitness loving father pounding the pavement in comfort and style. One of the best features of these shoes, aside from the ergonomic design and pleasing aesthetic, is the fact that they’re also vegan-friendly. This ethical footwear is made from mesh, TPU, a washable synthetic upper, and the advanced Trail Protect pad for underfoot protection.

6. The Tech Lover

If gadgets always ran amuck at your house and dad is still tinkering with the latest in technology, then blow his mind with a sound enhancer that uses no batteries, has zero cords, and was formerly a living plant. Enter the iBamboo Speaker that’s designed specifically for use with the iPhone. And just as described, this music amplifier made from nothing more than a piece of bamboo is as novel as it sounds.

7. The Spirited Fella

Kicking back with a brew is something many dads enjoy, especially after a long day or on a hot summer afternoon. If yours is conscientious about what he puts in his body, or is willing to try new things, then why not bring by a six pack of ice cold beers from Peak Organic? They’re in most local stores and the company prides itself on using local, artisan, and organic ingredients. With a variety of ales and lagers, there’s something for every beer imbibing dad.

To the first man who taught you how to throw a ball, battled you at video games, helped you study your first specimen, or just gave really good advice, let him know you’re thinking about him this year and every day. Surprise dear old dad with some of the coolest in sustainable, organic, and eco-friendly ideas from our Father’s Day gift guide. Do you have any special Father’s Day memories? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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If you’ve ever wanted to stay abreast of your family, friends, work, health, social media accounts, and messages on the go without being glued to your cell phone, then look no further than the stunning and stylish smart jewelry we’ve researched and compiled just for you.

According to an article from Digital Trends, the average American is dependent upon their smartphone and social media networks more than we might have imagined. Individuals in the U.S. check Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts approximately 17 times a day, which is said to translate roughly to at least once for every hour we’re awake. Over time, based on general data usage statistics, these minutes and seconds add up to the tune of 4.7 hours per day on average spent on a smartphone – wow!

And if you agree with the idea that we’re awake for around 15 hours per day, then that means almost one third of our waking lives are spent on a cell phone. Combine this with computer usage, obesity rates due to sedentary lifestyles, and feelings of disconnection from our loved ones, then it may be time for an intervention. Fortunately, though, if you can stand the inclusion of a little more technology in your life, it may be able to actually help you reach your goals, rather than hurt them.

Take a peek at our suggestions below and find out whether or not any of our smart jewelry picks can help simplify and enrich your lives.

1. ALTRUIS

Best for the woman who wishes to receive fewer notifications and spend more time face-to-face with individuals, rather than on the phone. ($385)

ALTRUIS wants you to “stay connected, not distracted” thanks to the modern and attractive smart jewelry collection. It features rings, pendant necklaces, and bracelets that are designed to send you a subtle vibration when receiving specific filtered messages and notifications. Currently designed to operate only with the IPhone 4s or newer at this time, the jewelry’s programming allows users to customize which people, calls, messages, and alerts deserve your attention by filtering notifications based on tailored “profiles” and “secret words” via the company’s iOS app.

2. LEAF

Best for the woman who has her phone usage under control, but wishes to become healthier through the addition of more physical activity, better sleeping habits, and lower stress levels. (From $119)

LEAF from bellabeat is a foliage shaped product that’s designed to be a “unique and versatile health coach, fitness tracker, and the world’s smartest piece of jewelry.” Worn as a necklace, bracelet, or pendant, this tracker will record your fitness stats, sleep cycles, menstrual cycles, and help to relieve stress with targeted breathing exercises that are built into the product’s application. No charging is required, it has a 14 day memory, pill reminder, smart alarm, and inactivity alert.

3. RINGLY

Best for the woman who wants a stylish, no-frills no-fuss way of being alerted to the most important phone calls, messages, and reminders without constantly checking her phone. ($195)

RINGLY has produced a series of, you guessed it, rings clad with semi-precious gemstones nestled in a gunmetal plated setting. Labradorite, pink chalcedony (pictured), black onyx, and tourmalated quartz is a sampling of the stones they offer. Cocktail-like and definitely on-trend, these stylish baubles actually contain more than what first meets the eye. Designed to be used with iOS or Android, this works similarly to the ALTRUIS by allowing you to choose the apps from which you want notifications, but also has 4 different vibration settings and 5 light colors for further personalization.

4. CUFF

Best for the woman concerned about safety and health, as well as receiving fewer notifications from her phone. (From $49 to $199)

CUFF offers several pieces of jewelry to choose from that are designed to house the company’s module which keeps you connected from afar. Bracelets, necklaces, key chains, and wristwatch-like pieces are as beautiful as they are functional. This specialized bit of technology will be incorporating a fitness app this year, but already allows for users to send emergency alerts instantly to friends and family with the touch of a button – which we love – and offers the popular vibration alerts for specific programs and people.

In the end, choosing to use smart jewelry that works for your lifestyle should, in essence, help you check your screen a little less and be with your family and friends a little more. A small investment, some might say, to gain back that precious portion of our lives.

Do you spend too much time on your smartphone, or is it totally necessary? Are there any smart jewelry pieces that you would consider using? Why or why not? Let us know what you think on the EcoSalon Facebook page!  

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The post 4 Pieces of Beautiful and Functional Smart Jewelry: Stay Connected in Style appeared first on EcoSalon.

If taking the hassle and guesswork out of revamping your home sounds like a breath of fresh air, then you’ll want to check out our roundup of the best user friendly interior design apps on the market. Now you can stay abreast of trends and plan your next project from the palm of your hand.

Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling your existing one, or simply trying to redecorate an outdated space, these undertakings have the potential to become very stressful in an instant. Attempting to stay within budget and on schedule, keeping ideas and plans organized, visualizing the space, and even arguing with your sigg-O over which shade of beige works best in the living room are some of the common challenges homeowners face when trying to give their space a facelift.

Another hurdle can be the overestimation, or resulting waste of construction materials, as well as the source and type of materials – the greener the better – which is where a couple of these interior design apps become quite helpful in their ability to locate or suggest eco-friendly finishes and furnishing for your projects.

Fortunately, for your convenience, we’ve gathered a few of the most popular and well-rated–and all free!–mobile apps on the market, so pull up a chair and let’s get started!

1. Houzz

With over 8 million high-resolution photos, Houzz is the destination for professional remodeling and redecorating ideas and resources. Unlike many of the photos on other apps like Pinterest, Houzz is chock full of professionally curated projects – from architects to interior designers to interior decorators – there isn’t a shortage of beautifully executed homes. Furthermore, it also has furnishing and professional resources, which can help you locate that reclaimed wood entertainment center you’ve been looking for, or hire the perfect interior designer for your upcoming project. 

2. Wayfair

Unlike the others, this app doesn’t have any fancy or high tech virtual views, but it does give you the power to pick your décor from the comfort and convenience of your smart phone or tablet. From natural rugs to eco-friendly sofas, the Wayfair app can help homeowners choose their décor by browsing furnishings quicker and easier than shopping for it in person.

3. Planner 5D

This app allows you to view your space in multiple ways – 2D, 3D, and 5D projections, but you can begin by creating floor plans of your own or choosing from the existing selection. The interaction is as simple as drag and drop and it allows you to pick home furnishing so you can get an idea for how certain items will look in the room. In addition to that, you can easily transform your floor plan into a 3D rendering which allows you to view chosen areas of the completed space. And, if your resources permit, with the aide of virtual reality glasses, you can utilize the app’s 5D technology and actually “move” or “walk” throughout the space in real time.

Homestyler Interior Design

Brought to you by the maker of AutoCAD, a popular tool among professional interior designers is Homestyler Interior Design from Autodesk, Inc. This combines the planning capabilities of the Planner 5D app with the convenience of the buying options on Houzz. Play around with your potential purchases and make sure that they look great before whipping out that credit card. This app also allows for wall color previewing and you can even incorporate your own home interior photos for the most realistic outcome possible.

Paint Harmony

If you’ve ever tried to visualize a wall color with a tiny can of sample paint, then you know how many factors can ultimately affect the end result of this experiment. Not only can lighting play a role, but the surrounding wall color (the one you’re trying to paint over) can play tricks on your eyes by influencing the tint or shade of the sample hue. In other words, unless you paint an entire wall, it’s really difficult to know how the color will look.

And although the colors in the app aren’t one hundred percent accurate, you can easily fill in an entire wall with the touch of a finger. This app works in real time by allowing you to move the device over your walls and watch the color magically change on the screen, or you can use previously snapped pics on which to try out your new colors.

Now that you’ve read our rundown of the latest interior design apps, we want to hear from you! What did you think of our suggestions? Do you prefer doing it yourself, or hiring professionals for your projects? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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If you have ever thought you could spit out your old piece of gum on the ground without notice, think again. Technology exists to help stop littering; it can hold you and every other litterbug accountable for dumping your trash on the streets.

According to Wired, a Hong Kong ad agency and non-profit, and Ogilvy, an American company, have teamed up to make an impressive (and kind of creepy) ad campaign that’s targeting litterbugs.

Ogilvy joined up with Hong Kong Cleanup, the nonprofit, to help curb Hong Kong’s massive trash problem. To combat the problem head-on, the firms recruited the help of Parabon Nanolabs, a Virginia company, that has figured out a way to use small traces of human DNA (as small as a nanogram, which is smaller than one billionth of the mass of a penny) to create realistic digital portraits of litterbugs.

“Parabon began developing this technology more than five years ago in tandem with the Department of Defense, mostly to use as a tool in criminal investigations,” reports Wired. “Parabon’s technique draws on the growing wealth of information we have about the human genome. By analyzing saliva or blood, the company is able to make an educated prediction of what you might look like. Most forensic work uses DNA to create a fingerprint, or a series of data points that will give a two-dimensional look at an individual that can be matched to pre-existing DNA samples.”

After DNA is detected, it’s taken to a genotyping lab and the data collection of the offending litterbug begins. The technology used can easily pin-point a person’s eye, hair, and skin color, as well as skin freckling, and face shape. To predict age range, Oglivy uses market research. According to Wired, people who are aged 18-34 are more likely to chew gum, and people who are 45-plus are more likely to be smokers.

Now, this all may seem a bit extreme to catch a litterbug, but that’s the whole point of an ad campaign. In reality, all the people in this project weren’t actually shamed — they gave permission for their likeness to be “published.” And this technology is now only strictly used from criminal investigations. But, like any good campaign, this thing worked and got people talking. Part of the conversation of course is about littering and the whole “if you aren’t anonymous, will you do it” idea. But it also tackles DNA appropriation… Two big conversations from one tiny campaign. It’s all pretty impressive.

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Technology is an important and useful part of our lives. But how does it affect our health? How to find happiness and good health by stepping away from your iPhone.

Remember when we used to leave home without a phone? Needing to make a call while out and about meant searching for the nearest pay phone or begging a store owner for one quick call.

Those days are well behind us. Now, not only do we have the convenience of communication on the go, but we can barely be without it. Highly useful, yes. But how does this constant tech access affect our health and happiness?

Last week we talked about how to find happiness by taming monkey mind, that incessant chatter in our heads, and the feeling of calm and focus it brings. One tip we covered was unplugging and the benefits found via the Bored and Brilliant campaign. Participants were given daily challenges over the course of one week to prompt phone detachment and enhance creativity.

So, through the campaign, Manoush Zomorodi (who also hosts Well and Good NYC’s New Tech City podcast) discovered that less tech in our daily lives leads to better concentration and peace of mind. The data shows that “boredom is crucial to the creative process.” I’m not so sure single-tasking equals boredom, but I get where they are going with this.

The data from the campaign showed that the average person spends approximately 64 minutes on their phone daily. Easily, right? That means checking the device 2 to 3 times every hour. We’ve all had those days or weekends where we spend inordinate amounts of time checking an app or messages, only to be left with tech hangover. You know, that wide eyed, bewildered, slightly manic feeling? Sure you do.

Interestingly, many participants of the campaign have a creative project or dream they’d love to complete but feel they don’t have enough time to work on it. Of the 16 percent who feel they spend “just the right amount of time” on their phones, only one percent said their phone is usually in their hand. So those not feeling like partakers of the phone time-suck are stowing them away in their bags or somewhere else out of sight.

Added time, greater creativity, and increased productivity account for the happiness boost from unplugging. But how about what tech overload is doing to our health?

There are the less serious, but still annoying, physical signs of device overuse, like tech neck and text thumb. But more serious health issues need to be taken into consideration before it’s too late.

Vision problems from looking at a tiny screen are a real problem, especially for kids. Some children tend to lock into screen time with uber focus. Spending prolonged periods staring at a screen can lead to blurry vision, eye irritation, and headaches. Set time limits on viewing and remind your kids when time is up. They are unlikely to come up for air on their own.

Most of us have experienced some level of increased health anxiety due to the Internet. I recently saw an image on Instagram that said something like “I have a stomach ache, WebMD says I’m dying.” Been there? Me too. The side effects of over-Googling every last physical symptom you have, and the fear it instills, may seem like an emotional issue. But we know stress is linked to many real health problems. Take all information you find online with a grain of salt. Remember, it’s pretty much impossible to diagnosis someone over the Internet. If you are truly concerned about your health, get yourself to your doctor for a check.

A study done by Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina in Columbia found a link between tech and an increase in obesity. And those most affected are women. Compared to women of earlier (pre smart phone) decades, who spent much of their time doing housework, today’s women are far less active, due in large part to tech viewing. Leaders of the study are quick to point out that they are not suggesting women need to do more housework, but that they may need to set limits on computer time and get more active.

If you’ve been having a hard time falling or staying asleep, this could also be due to screen overload. It is harder to sleep when the mind is wired from scrolling through Facebook or checking email one last time. Set a tech cutoff time each day. Put your devices away and pick up a good old-fashioned book.

Computers and other devices are not bad. They keep us informed and connected. Hey, many of us even need them to make a living. Like most good things, moderation is key. Don’t let tech rob you of family time, happiness, or your health. Set yourself some limits.

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