Digital dementia – what is it, and how can you prevent it?

Our world is now very digital. Most of our work can be done online. Most of our free time is spent using some form of technology. This is great in so many ways. We can keep in touch with people all around the world and stay up-to-date on anything at the click of a button. Have a question? Google it! Everything around us is changing fast.

We continue to learn how technology affects humans. There are things like EMF fields that we are still learning about (for the record, I always turn my phone on airplane mode at night). And digital dementia. 

Digital dementia is a result of two major pitfalls of technology:

The ability to concentrate and remember things deteriorates. When we are constantly overstimulated by lights, movements and quick changes (which is exactly what television and computers do and why we can stay fixated on them for so long) our brain's ability to focus and retain memories decreases. When we have the answer to everything on the internet we don't have to remember things anymore. When there are characters running around and singing and moving constantly, our everyday life might seem boring in comparison and we can quickly lose interest or the ability to focus on real-time life.

Our posture becomes poor. When babies are born, they are naturally in a flexed position (leaning forward). "Tummy time" is encouraged because the act of extension actually encourages the development of the frontal lobe of our brains. It's high development is what makes humans so advanced. We stand more upright than any other mammal. Technology encourages a flexed position which is regressing our posture. As humans age, we have a tendency of leaning forward. The further forward we lean, the faster our bodies and brains deteriorate. We have all witnessed someone who looks older than they may be simply because they are hunched forward.

Technology isn't going anywhere and the fixes for the above mentioned problems are easier than you might think. You simply need to actually do them. I promise they will help. Here it goes.

Spend some time away from technology. I've recently implemented a "no social media after 8:30 pm" rule. You can also refrain from using technology first thing in the morning. I think no phones at the dinner table is an excellent rule. You could set aside some time on Sundays to do an activity that doesn't involve technology.  Spend some time outdoors. Intentionally leave your phone at home (gasp!). Exercise. Join a club. Simply spend time away from a television, computer or smart phone. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish and you'll start to get creative with ways to keep yourself entertained.

Add some extension exercises to your daily routine. Stretch your arms above your head and tip your head back. Lay on your stomach and perform a few back extensions. Make a point of doing 5-10 reps a few times per day. We instinctively do this when we wake up because it actually stimulates the nervous system. This will counter act our constant forward, flexed posture.