The theme for Mens Health Week 2023, focuses on our Health and the Internet. The development of the ‘minicomputers’ in the palm of our hand, can have a detrimental effect on our Health. However, it’s not just men who are affected by this lifestyle; women, and children are too.
Changes with technology
In my lifetime I’ve seen huge developments with computers and what they can do. When I was at secondary school there was a computer room with large computers, and we were taught to write programmes. I remember thinking this will never take off!
I got my first basic ‘brick like’ mobile phone in 1991 which could only make calls. Moving onto the ‘minicomputers’ we have at our fingertips in the modern mobile phones. I still have the same original phone number albeit with the 075 added.
With the current level of technology, all the apps have been designed to entice you in and keep you using them. Consequently, we get a dopamine boost, making us want to do it more. This has the potential to become very addictive, taking our time and attention away from family, work, socialising, as well as the potential for spending more money!
Our Mental Health and the Internet
An interesting article by sciencedirect, features results of data they collected regarding Internet Addiction. They report that:
Men
are more likely to become addicted to gaming. Become so engrossed with their phone that they ignore others around them, known as ‘phubbing’. They are more impulsive, and experience volatility in mood, behaviour, and functioning.
Women
are more likely to be more addicted to the internet and social media. FoMO, Fear of Missing Out, the fear that you’re not in the loop and others are having a better time than you. However, women are more likely to support, share, volunteer, and help other people, displaying Prosocial behaviour.
Children
can struggle to communicate with peers. Unfortunately, children have been encouraged to ‘sit still and watch’ something on a device from early ages. As a result, they might struggle in social situations as they don’t learn the art of communicating with others. The anxiety from being in a social setting can be so overwhelming for our children because they don’t know how to behave. Or they have learnt an unacceptable way of behaving from what they’ve seen on the internet! Have a read on my blog about Understanding a Teenage Brain.
Our Physical Health
It is all in moderation and for many, they can’t function without checking their phone or answering immediately. As well as influencing your Mental Health, phones also have a detrimental effect on your Physical Health.
Neck and back problems occurring from poor posture, the stooped head down. Heads are incredibly heavy, and this puts an immense pressure on our neck muscles, causing tension and headaches.
Repetitive strain from the constant scrolling and typing.
Eye strain from looking at the screen.
Screens can disrupt our Sleep too which is our all-important healing time for our body and mind. Our eyes process the daytime light signals in the optic nerves and triggers the release of Melatonin at dusk. Our levels of Melatonin increase throughout the night, so we get the instruction to fall asleep. The screens give off a blue light which interferes with our production of melatonin, subsequently you stay up later. If you Can’t Get to Sleep have a read to find out some useful tips.
How I can Help
Hopefully you have found the blog interesting about Our Health and the Internet. Maybe you have noticed some signs within yourself or others regarding addiction to the internet. If you have, here are some ways I can help.
Hypnotherapy
When looking for some Men’s Mental Health Support, Hypnotherapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for. I’ve worked with many Men who struggle to manage life’s pressures and those who want to change their future – away from an addiction or towards better habits.
Have a read of my blog on Mens Mental Health Support to find out how I can help.
Massage
I also work as a Beauty and Holistic therapist, offering Massage which will help to relieve the tension in upper back, neck and shoulders. I’ve been helping people find care and confidence as a beauty therapist for over 30 years. The feeling you get after taking some time and attention for yourself, is something I’ve always been pleased to offer.
I am fully qualified, verified and insured and hold an enhanced DBS. I work online or in my therapy room in Great Addington. I offer a free initial consultation phone call, to find out your needs and work out the best program to help. Above all, to find out if I am the right therapist for you.
