Being glued to screens all day, no matter how small, is not healthy.
Over 600 individuals were randomly selected and divided into three groups.
One group did not use their smartphones at all for one week.
Verywell / Laura Porter
The final group continued to use their smartphones without changing their behaviors.
Researchers asked questions about the individuals physical activity, cigarette smoking, and signs of depression or anxiety.
Making Your Smartphone Work for You
The need for smartphone usage varies from person to person.
However, exercising self-control is something everyone can do to make a difference for theirmental health.
Monitoring your usage and being mindful of usage can have significant impact, Dr. Katzenstein states.
Experts also recommend being mindful of how you feel when you are using your smartphone.
Cut back if being on your smartphone makes you feel stressed, hurried, or anxious.
What This Means For You
Excessive cell phone usage can wreak havoc on your mental health.
For most people, completely stopping cell phone usage isnt a realistic option.
The good news is, however, that according to this study, you dont have to stop.
Small changes in your smartphone usage habits can make a big difference in how you feel mentally and emotionally.
Statista.Number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide from 2016 to 2027.
Statista.How much time on average do you spend on your phone on a daily basis?
Wacks Y, Weinstein AM.Excessive smartphone use is associated with health problems in adolescents and young adults.Front Psychiatry.
An experimental intervention study.J Exp Psychol Appl.2022.
