Why Screen Time Leaves You Exhausted: And How to Reverse Its Effects

You hear a lot today about how our ample screentime is affecting our mental health. But how is it affecting our bodies, and how is that impact on our bodies affecting, well, our mental health?

My guest today will unpack the ways that digital technology is sapping our vitality, and offer a simple protocol to get it back. Her name is Manoush Zomorodi, and she's the host of the TED Radio Hour and the author of Body Electric. In our conversation, Manoush explains why a day spent sitting in front of screens can leave you exhausted, even though you haven't really done anything, and how small bouts of movement throughout the day can counteract that drain and keep you feeling energized and focused. She shares how much activity you need to offset periods of being sedentary, and how to realistically incorporate these movement breaks into your routine. We also get into the specific effects digital technology is having on our eyes and ears — and what you can do to prevent the damage.

Resources Related to the Podcast

• Manoush's previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #342 — Why Boredom is Good for You
• "I Sing the Body Electric" by Walt Whitman
• Keith Diaz's studies
• AoM Article: The Importance of Building Your Daily Sleep Pressure

Connect With Manoush Zomorodi

• Manoush's website
• Manoush on IG

0:00 - Introduction

0:41 - Meet Manoush Zomorodi & Body Electric

1:10 - Why Are We So Tired After Sitting All Day?

5:30 - The Physical Effects of Sitting & Screens on the Body

10:02 - Walt Whitman, Clerks & the History of Sedentary Work

16:42 - Keith Diaz's Study: 5 Minutes of Movement Every 30 Min

20:07 - Testing the Protocol: Manoush's Lab Experience

21:15 - The Global Clinical Trial Results

29:11 - How to Actually Integrate Movement Breaks Into Your Day

32:11 - Even Exercise Isn't Enough If You Sit All Day

37:50 - What Screens Are Doing to Your Eyes

46:10 - What Earbuds Are Doing to Your Hearing

49:22 - How Screens Disrupt Sleep (It's Not Blue Light)

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