The time before Christmas not only invites you to put your cell phone away every now and then because of the contemplative mood, it is also healthy.

Our cooperation partner Saferinternet.at provides valuable information about the occasions when we all use our cell phones, even though we often don't need them as much as we always think. Because surprise: a cell phone is not that

The Vienna Medical Association recommends cell phone-free zones and times

Unhealthy radiation and poor posture are the main concerns, which is why the Medical Association is calling for people to reduce cell phone and tablet use, especially during Advent.

The 10 rules of the Vienna Medical Association are primarily about reducing exposure to cell phone radiation without severely restricting communication. Among other things, she recommends installing as few apps as necessary, ideally not carrying cell phones directly on your body, or avoiding making phone calls in places with poor reception. We at Saferinternet.at also think there are good reasons to put down your cell phone every now and then, even if it's not always easy for us.

Being online all the time is exhausting!

Who does not know that? 10 WhatsApp messages here, 30 “likes” there and then calls via various social media and the regular cell phone connection.

Being constantly available has become important to us and it actually makes many areas of our lives easier. But sometimes it just becomes too much. But switching off your cell phone isn't always easy - after all, it's now expected that you can be reached at all times.

However, give yourself a break from your cell phone and enjoy doing nothing or spending undisturbed time with your family and friends.

If this worries you, it is best to let your closest contacts know in advance that they will not be able to reach you for some time. Or you can change your status message (e.g. on WhatsApp) and let us know when you will be available again.

Cell phone breaks don't have to last the whole day; not checking messages for half an hour can be a start. A call from the boss? New messages in the group chat with friends? Everything can wait! And you'll see that you actually don't miss as much as you think.

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Five simple tips for cell phone breaks

  • The cell phone for taking photos

    Do you know that? You always have your cell phone at hand, but not primarily for making calls, but because you are afraid of missing a good photo opportunity. However, you always find yourself checking your Facebook stream or scrolling through the new Instagram stories out of habit. It can help here to either take a separate camera with you or at least set to airplane mode

  • The cell phone in company

    You meet up with friends for coffee and everyone keeps checking their cell phones. Does that bother you? Then ask your friends to stop using their cell phones . Try e.g. For example, turn off the “cell phone tower”: Switch your cell phones to silent mode and place them on top of each other. Whoever picks up their cell phone first to see what's going on has to tell the other person, for example. B. give out a punch (emergencies are of course excluded!). Not only can this help, but it's also fun!

  • The cell phone as a distraction

    Do you have to work/do homework/clean up and can't stop yourself from looking at your phone even though you don't expect anything special? Set an alarm for yourself : for example in an hour and try not to look at your cell phone until then. This gives you back some of your control.

  • The cell phone for shopping

    Are you at the Christmas market or in a shopping street to get the last Christmas presents, but can't stop comparing prices or checking offers online? Our tip: Get an overview in advance . If you know roughly what you want to find for your loved ones, it can be helpful to check in advance how much such an expense may cost. Your cell phone has no place when you're shopping. Instead, let your eyes wander; maybe you'll come across something unexpected?

  • Too many different channels

    Your cell phone alone doesn't actually stress you out. But is it overwhelming for you that so many reports arrive on different platforms? Then think carefully about which applications you really want to have on your cell phone. Isn't it enough if you can only access Facebook via your home computer? Do you actually need several different messenger services or can you and your circle of friends agree on one application?

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You decide what role your cell phone plays

Cell phones and tablets are our companions. Not only do they make our lives easier in many ways, but they can also lead to overwhelm. Be your own boss and decide for yourself to what extent you want to be restricted by your cell phone. It often helps to question your own habits and think about why you are looking at your cell phone right now. Is it possible that you simply feel bored or perhaps lonely? Then meet up with friends or enjoy a stroll through a Christmas market. You will see that the Christmas spirit is contagious and makes being offline much easier.

The problem isn't actually your own cell phone use, but that of your children? No problem! The tips mentioned above can also be applied to children and young people.

Also, don’t forget: you are a role model! Your cell phone/tablet usage has a big influence on your children's media behavior.

The content is an article from our partner Saferinternet.at
Item image: Shutterstock / By Studio217

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