According to a British survey, the average Brit spends just over 3 hours a week in the bathroom. This far exceeds the recommended 10-15 minutes a day, which is about 1 hour 45 minutes a week.
And if you wonder how that time passes, then cell phones are your answer. It should come as no surprise that 75% of Americans admit to using the phone while in the bathroom.
We want to warn you of 6 alarming reasons why you shouldn’t spend more than 15 minutes in the bathroom.
Our Phones Are Playgrounds For Germs
Phones can very successfully transfer and trap germs. They can transfer germs from their surfaces to your private areas when cleaning.
They can also trap germs from any surface in the bathroom while washing your hands or flushing.
Studies have shown that phones are responsible for the spread of the superbug MRSA in healthcare settings. This could mean that a random patient could end up infected.
Hemorrhoids And Other Rectal Issues
According to doctors, the norm is to sit for between 1 and 15 minutes in the bathroom. Spending more time puts unnecessary pressure on your rectum.
And hemorrhoids are one of the most serious symptoms, followed by rectal prolapse.
In the latter case, your rectum begins to move. Although it seems very scary, doctors do not believe it is a state of emergency unless you leave it untreated.
You Don’t Need To Practice Mindfulness On The Toilet
Phones will not only keep your brain in stress mode but also distract you from your daily activities. If you need to take a break during the day, try meditating or doing some exercise.
By activating your body, you will also activate your brain. Also, when you eat your food, try to enjoy it and don’t rush.
If meditation is not your thing, you can turn to books. Reading will keep you focused on words and uninterested on your phone.
You will simply disconnect from everything that bothers you and you will enter an alternative world.
You Treat Toilet Time As A Way To Escape
A 2016 study found that many of the participants used their phones to suppress negative feelings and emotions. Additionally, the same study showed that students used their phones to combat boredom.
As a result, the continued use of telephones as a coping strategy can have a serious impact on our mental health.
One positive result of the study was that phones actually help some people cope with stressful situations.
However, a 2014 study showed that staying away from the phone can be very stressful for many millennials.
You Waste Your Time
According to the survey, we all spend an average of 90 minutes a day on our phones, which is equivalent to about 3.9 years in our life.
This means that phones can distract us from our work and daily activities. According to this study, employees spend around 5 hours a week on things not related to work.
So instead of working, many people have admitted that they check their personal emails and social media when they should be working.
You Become Addicted To Your Phone
One of the three main symptoms of telephone dependence is the fear of leaving home without the telephone.
The other 2 are the fear of not being able to send or receive text messages and the false feeling that you are receiving alerts.
Although many scientists still do not use the word “addiction” comfortably, there are indications that this is what is really happening.
Most addictions are related to the transmission of dopamine. Phones offer the same wellness experience, with users happy every time they interact with someone.
The negative results of excessive phone use include low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression.
Have you ever felt consumed by your phone? Have you tried reducing screen time, and if so, have you noticed any change in your overall health?