It’s a strange thought… modern lifestyle and effects of over consumption may in fact be going against our natural, inborn survival instincts. There are some experts who believe that our land of plenty may be causing no small amount of trouble for our health.
Today it’s pretty easy and affordable for most of us to get all the calorie-laden foods we want. What’s more, most of us have hectic, demanding work and personal schedules and a 24/7 attachment to media… all of which is believed to be overloading Americans and likely having an ill effect on both physical and mental health.
Just think about it. We’ve been conditioned for millions of years to survive on what we had… usually quite a bit less than what we have today. In days gone by, people had to grow (or hunt) the food they ate and often didn’t have enough. Earlier generations didn’t have adequate clothing or central heating and medical care was not nearly as accessible as it is today.
The problem is that our genetic code has been built by the people who survived such harsh conditions and is confounded by a comfortable place where threats are few and food is plentiful. Of course it’s only human nature to take well to having all that you need (and then some) to survive.
Trouble is, all that readily available, affordable food has gotten Americans to eat an around 1,000 or more calories daily than what we actually need. Obesity is at epidemic proportions.
The constant access to media 24/7 creates stress, and numbs people to bad news… it’s hard to shock us anymore. What’s worse, to pay for all this, we’re working longer hours, dealing with longer commutes and getting by with less sleep.
What’s more, some experts believe that texting and smart phones have added even more to our stress levels. Now we need to be always contactable… a state that used to be familiar only to emergency services personnel like doctors, police, firemen and others who spent their work lives on call. It’s no wonder we feel so tense, we’re ‘on call’ all the time now.
But technology can’t shoulder all the blame for our modern stress levels. The economy has its share of blame to bear. Worries over keeping a job and paying the bills are at least as troubling as the stress of keeping in constant contact.
If you’d like to help yourself, here are some things to try…
– Set a consistent schedule that’s aligned with what you value – for example, make time for those family dinners, or weekend services. Working 80 hours plus a week is not a good example to be setting your children.
– Enforce ‘time out’ before buying something and be sure it’s a need, not a want. It helps to be clear in your mind about what you’re after when you go out shopping… stick to the list and leave when you’re done.
– Reduce your high calorie food intake, and add some healthy options to your diet instead. Remove (or put under lock and key) any junk food in the house. Out of sight, out of mind. Snack on fruits, seeds and nuts instead.
– Turn off the smart phone, the laptop and any other device for some amount of time every day.
– Gifts don’t have to be something that comes from a store – experiences, favors and special gestures are often a welcome surprise.
Doctors are discovering that when people make changes like eating less or cutting their media viewing, their mental and physical health gets better. While this is a new shift to be sure, many people are starting to feel that we cope better when we have a little less.
By making some changes in how you use the technology, and abundance we have at hand, you’ll be doing all you can to keep your modern lifestyle and health without the negative side effects of over consumption.
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Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kirsten_Whittaker/10824