The more frequently a person uses a cell phone, the more prone they are to suffer from a neurological disorder called Ringxiety.
Ringxiety as the name suggests is a type of anxiety caused by the false sensation or belief of a cell phone ringing or vibrating. The term was first coined by David Laramie, a doctoral student at the California School of Professional Psychology, to understand the detrimental effects of cell phone usage.
Today, mobile phones have become a very essential part of life. We cannot imagine our life without the little gadget in our pockets. It is no more a means of communication, but the mobile phone today has solved almost every human need. From our entertainment to current updates, from photography to internet browsing, everything aspect of our modern life is taken care of by our mobile phones.
However, emerging research shows that excessive use of mobile phones is causing serious health issues. It is affecting people’s psychological health, emotional health, social behavior, and physical health.
Detrimental effects of excessive mobile phone usage
Recent research has found that excessive usage of mobile phones can lead to a number of symptoms like headache, impaired concentration, poor memory, and high fatigue. The same research also highlighted that the high use of mobile phones can cause sleep disturbances, hearing problems, and facial dermatitis.
Further studies have also highlighted that smartphone addiction is associated with impulsivity, impaired cognitive function, low self-esteem, reduced physical fitness, eating disorders, pain and migraines, and changes in the brain’s gray matter volume. People suffering from smartphone addiction are also more prone to suffer from stress, anxiety disorders, and relationship problems.
The detrimental effects of excessive mobile usage also include withdrawal symptoms, anger, tension, depression, irritability, and restlessness. Apart from this excessive mobile usage also causes digital eye strain and neck problems.
Excessive mobile usage and ringxiety
A new health issue emerging from the excessive usage of mobile phones is ringxiety. This is particularly common among people who spend a lot of time talking on the phone. Studies also suggest that lonely, depressed, or anxious people are more prone to suffer from ringxiety. The overload of thoughts puts the brain in hyperarousal mode.
Though ringxiety is not a physical disorder, research shows that it can increase the risk of sleep disorders and infertility. A recent study on this subject revealed that 90 percent of mobile phone users report feeling a sensation of a false ringtone.
Risks of Ringxiety
Ringxiety is more of a psychological condition and does not cause any physical problems. However, it can impact one’s day-to-day life. People suffering from ringxiety are more likely to suffer from attention disorders. They often find it difficult to focus on their work which can lead to frustration, anger, and stress. The long-term effects of anger and stress are well-known. It can manifest into serious conditions like hypertension, heart disorders, and other stress-inflicted chronic diseases.
Recent scientific research has found that ringxiety can result in both immediate and long-term negative health effects. It can manifest in headaches, stress, and sleep disturbances. It is also shown to increase feelings of loneliness, depression, and low self-esteem. People suffering from extreme cases of ringxiety may show symptoms of social withdrawal and even suffer from suicide ideation.
Tips to manage ringxiety
Practice meditation
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to deal with attention disorders. It promotes calmness and helps battle stress and anxiety. Research also found that different types of meditation and yoga can help in overcoming an addiction. You can try mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, or guided meditation to break free of your smartphone addiction.
Avoid multitasking
Contrary to popular belief, multitasking does not help you. It impacts your performance, increases your stress levels, and results in attention problems. It hinders your focus on one particular task and increases the time taken to finish the tasks at hand. Studies have also found that people who multitask are more prone to make mistakes.
Secure your social circle
Go out and meet your friends, connect with new people, and engage in different volunteering activities. This will help beat your feeling of social isolation which too could be a trigger for ringxiety. In addition to that, studies have found that people who have a strong social circle tend to live a longer and healthier life.
Build trust and security in your relationship
Strengthen your relationship with your partner by spending more time together and engaging in activities that interest both. Psychologists believe that people who are insecure in their relationships are more likely to suffer from ringxiety. They tend to crave constant attention which is a trigger for this condition.
Try digital detoxing
Smartphones have become a new addiction that has grabbed the youth. The constant buzz on their phones puts their brain in hyperarousal mode. Staying away from the phone for a few hours or days can help in resetting their mental health.
Sleep Mode on
Do not check your phone before sleeping. Researchers revealed the blue light emitted by the cell phone can restrain the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.
Your Takeaway!
If you are someone who is constantly on the phone, then there is a great probability that you have already experienced ringxiety. The sudden anxiety caused by the false sensation of your phone ringing followed by the urge of checking your phone. Though ringxiety is not a chronic or life-threatening condition, it can impact your quality of life if left unaddressed.
From psychological disorders to physical manifestations, several health issues can stem from this syndrome. Thus, it is very important to practice these simple lifestyle modifications to reverse the condition!
