Introducing Safe Use Of Technology In Our Modern World
Although the term 'Digital Detox' has been around for more than a decade, it has been making an appearance in the media recently. I think any efforts we might make to safeguard the quality of our consciousness in the absence of making a genuine effort to reduce our exposure to EMR ( electromagnetic radiation ) , are going to fall far short of what we might hope. And so I felt it might be useful to provide some pragmatic guidelines on how we might reduce this exposure. Below are some guidelines in which you can reduce your exposure to EMR and the other various effects of the technology that most of us our surrounded by in this modern age.
There are a lot of independent, peer reviewed studies to show that this is a real concern to be looked at, whilst there are other industry funded peer reviewed studies to suggest otherwise. While the jury is out and the stalemate remains in play, the choice is yours to decide on what action, if any, should be taken.
The following are particularly useful to those more vulnerable in our society, such as babies, young children, young adults (16 and under) and those that are sick.
Introducing Safe Use Of Technology In Our Modern World
The Basic Steps
Try and move away from using wireless technology and go back to using cables. It's a little inconvenient but will make a HUGE difference to you and anyone else who lives in your house/immediate space).
This means that you would;
Turn off wifi on your internet router.
Turn off wifi on any access point you might have around the house.
Turn off wifi on any device that you have/use, such as a desktop computer, laptop, printer, phone, games console, tablet, iPad, smart watch, etc.
Turn off wifi on your household appliances/devices such as a smart TV, fridge/freezer, boiler thermostat, smart meter (provided by 3rd party electricity and gas companies), portable home phone handsets (for use with landlines), security cameras, wireless speakers, etc.
Remove and stop or limit use of any wearable technology that transmits wirelessly. These include technologies such as the wearable fitness devices available, virtual reality headsets etc using either wifi or bluetooth.
REMEMBER – If you turn off the wireless feature on your router, but do not switch off the wireless feature on your laptop (for instance), then you are still surrounded by EMR. To achieve a clear and coherent environment you will need to turn off ALL known wireless devices and transmitters in your immediate vicinity. You might not be able to turn off your neighbours wifi router, but by turning off your own routers' capability, you significantly reduce your EMR exposure to you and those around you.
How To Reduce Your Mobile Phone Exposure
Be smarter with your phone usage. A lot of the time, much of our communication can be sent via a text or an email rather than talking to family, friends and work colleagues for hours on end. However, sometimes it really is unavoidable. Here's some hopefully helpful tips on how you might reduce the effect of mobile phone use.
When talking on the phone, place the phone down on a desk/table and use the loudspeaker, rather than holding the handset to your head, or using a wireless/wired headset.
Try and send a text/instant message rather than talking to someone where possible. This isn't always possible, but you would be surprised at how often we can succinctly communicate via a brief message, rather than a protracted conversation. (Sometimes however, it may just be nice to talk to someone. Arrange to meet them face-to-face where possible).
When carrying a phone during the day, place it in a bag or purse, rather than in a shirt or trouser pocket.
As a default, turn off (in your handset settings) from using the 4G network on your phone where possible. It only really needs to be used when you need to access a high speed internet connection via your phone.
Try and use a desktop computer or laptop to access the internet where possible.
If you need to use apps and internet browsing, turn on the 4G network to complete your task and then switch it back off again after use.
Effects of Screen Time
Try and minimise your 'screen time' an hour or so before bed. This will allow the natural biorhythms of the body to settle and afford you a 'hopefully' good nights sleep. There are many peer reviewed studies showing how screen time can effect our biorhythms and neurochemistry.
Keep track of and where necessary, reduce your screen time during the day/week. Find other non-hyper-stimulating things to engage with. This is particularly relevant for under 16's and those that are sick and working through an illness.
Plug Back Into Nature
Get out into a natural space such as a local park/green space or even better, somewhere out in the countryside away from large urbanised areas as often as you can. One or two days a week when possible. Even a few hours at the weekend will go some of the way in helping keep you plugged-in and attuned to the natural frequencies of nature. But make sure you’ve got your phone switched off when you do!
Sleep Better
Where possible, try and keep your sleeping environment clear from EMR. This means that you should avoid having your mobile phone, iPad, or any wireless device near you whilst you sleep. Turn these completely off - standby mode is not necessarily sufficient enough. This is particularly relevant for under 16's and those that are sick and working through an illness.
Digital Detox Day
Technology Free Days. Give yourself time every week (or when possible) where you do not use technology at all. Leave a message on your phone/email stating that you will not be available to communicate via these methods for the duration of your 'Free Day'. Some advocates follow the '5:2' Digital diet – 5days on, 2 days off technology.
Be Present With Your Friends
Try avoid using technology during social situations to help stimulate a more engaged experience. A recent common practice during dinner parties/meals is 'stacking' where all at the meal will leave their turned off mobile phones/devices in a pile in the middle of the table so as to not be disturbed during their social engagement.
Why Would You Do Any Of This?
1. It will create a clear and coherent environment free from the stronger, immediate man-made EMR. This is particularly important when you go to sleep while your body gets the rest it needs.
2. By having to go to a specific place in your house to use the internet, it will help stop the habit of constantly checking for new emails and un-necessary internet usage.
3. To avoid any potential harmful effects that this technology brings. There is much science now available to suggest that exposure to EMR does have a harmful effect upon us physiologically (recognisable changes in our DNA), mentally and emotionally (recognisable changes in brain chemistry).
4. Very recent studies show that the use of social media, and the associated technology is having a detrimental effect upon users. The same can be seen with highly-stimulating games, and 'screen time' in general.
5. It's about redefining our relationship with technology. Be really mindful of your technology use. This exercise is not meant to be a complete rejection of the use of technology, but a more intelligent approach to its use, so that we are not left being ruled by technology, but end up integrating it into our lives in a more balanced healthy way – on our terms.
