Last week while driving to the hair salon, I realized I had forgotten my cell phone. I literally panicked at the thought of not having it by my side- what if my husband or daughter called but couldn’t reach me for 2 or more hours- they would both no doubt be very worried. What if something happened to my elderly mom or if there was a business matter that needed immediate attention- I could not handle the ‘what ifs’ and promptly turned around and went home to retrieve my precious device (subsequently missing my hair appointment).
I decided some introspection was in order which compelled me to take a good look at myself, as well as the phenomenon of cell phone addiction, and here is what I discovered;
The consequences of nomophobia are more far reaching then I thought- excessive use and obsessing over your cell phone can lead to sleep disorders, irritability, increased stress and anxiety, withdrawing from loved ones causing the decline of live interpersonal relationships, an unconscious habit of phone checking (sometimes checking unwittingly every 2-3 minutes), and a general preoccupation or compulsion with cell phone use. Could this be me? I am certainly going to examine my behaviors to see what tracks!
And there is more to it than even that- eyestrain galore, a bend in the neck from looking down so much at the phone accompanied by neck pain, and most alarmingly an increase in GABA production as well as a loss of grey matter in the brain. Too much GABA will slow down your brain and can also cause respiratory depression, and grey matter (which is vital to controlling movement, memories, and emotions) is very susceptible to injury when oxygen levels are low.
But, cell phone addiction can be managed by, first, recognizing the condition exists, and then taking steps such as setting limits on screen time, using the ‘do not disturb’ function, and by practicing mindfulness. In looking into a possible homeopathic remedy for nomophobia, nothing exclusive to cell phone addiction comes up. I would suggest a few rounds of EFT tapping, to start with, to help restore the mind body system to balance, and I do have some recommendations for Bach flower remedies that might help address some underlying issues.
Agrimony– considered the best Bach flower remedy to overcome addiction problems
Chestnut Bud – to be able to learn the lessons of past experience
Cherry Plum – for fear of losing control
Sweet Chestnut – for anguish; for feelings of being stretched beyond endurance
White Chestnut – for over-active and exhausting mental chatter; for sleeplessness due to worry
If you should catch a glimpse of your profile in the mirror and are aghast after noticing a stoop-necked and head down silhouette, it may be time to consider nomophobia…