1. Germs

I, for one, never really think about my phone being dirty. It’s not like I let it roll around in the mud or play in the trash. However, my phone touches many surfaces, all of which may not be clean. Obviously our hands are the number one things that touch our phones, and then we put the phones to our face. This easily spreads germs. Luckily, this is one of the negative effects of your smart phone on your health that you can make better. Try to wipe down your phone regularly with sanitizing wipes to cut back on the germs.

2. Creativity

Believe it or not, smart phones can dampen your creativity. In order to think creatively you need a little down time to let your mind wander. If you are like me, any free moment you have is spent checking up on various people via social media, reading news updates, or checking out the most recent posts on AWS. That doesn’t leave much for my own creative thoughts to flourish.

3. Disconnect

Some people find themselves so addicted to their smart phone that they feel disconnected from the people in their life. One friend of mine confessed that she missed her son's first steps because she was reading a text message and not savoring the special moment. Unfortunately, that is something she can never get back. Now she turns her phone off when she gets home so she can connect with her family instead.

4. Texting and Driving

We all know that texting while driving is a horrible idea. Yet, so many of us still do it. Taking your eyes off the road even for a second to read a text or respond can easily cost you your life or the life of someone else. Don’t let your smart phone be a distraction to you while driving, it’s not worth it.

5. Stress

While many of us love being able to stay connected through email, text, and calls with our smart phones, it’s that same constant availability that can lead to major stress. This is especially true for people with high stress jobs. Every time the phone rings or alerts a new message they feel a slight tinge of anxiety. No one needs that sort of stress in their lives.

6. Productivity

Is your cell phone keeping you from being as productive as you couldbe? I know I am very guilty of this. I may sit down for a moment in the morning to check my emails. My intention is to check my emails and then get started with my work or chores for the day. Unfortunately, more times than not I end up checking emails and then Facebook. While looking at Facebook I get an alert that it is my turn to create a word on Words With Friends. Stumped on what word to put I head back over to my Facebook App. Before I know it, it’s time for lunch and I’m hungry, but even then I don’t put my phone down. Instead I go to my Pinterest App to find a yummy recipe for lunch or dinner. Please tell me I am not alone.

7. Sleep Problems

Smart phone are also linked to many sleep problems. If you take your phone to bed you may find yourself plugged in while you should be winding down. Instead of relaxing your brain, you are feeding it with more thoughts. It’s hard to fall asleep when your brain is buzzing with new information. To avoid sleep problems, turn your phone off at bedtime instead of making it your nightly companion.

As you can see, smart phones easily affect several areas of our overall health. I am not saying we should all throw out our smart phones, but we should practice a little moderation for the sake of our health. Have you noticed any ways your cell phone negatively affects your health?