Our smartphones are shaping our brains in subtle but significant ways. What happens when we take a break from them?

In this episode, I discuss a new study showing that just 3 days of reduced smartphone use can measurably change brain activity and 'cool down' craving circuits. The research taps into neuroplasticity - how stimuli like screen time actually rewires our brains over time. Other studies back this up, linking excessive phone use to poorer attention, memory, and self-control. Even short digital detoxes can start to reverse these effects.

2:00 - The study details: 25 adults limited phone use for 3 days. Brain scans showed less activity in reward/impulse areas when seeing phone images.

5:30 - How this reflects neuroplasticity. The brain is conditioned by what you feed it, including screen time.

8:45 - Other research showing impacts like worse attention and feeling 10 years younger after a 2-week detox.

10:30 - We check phones over 1000 times daily. This damages focus, stress, sleep and relationships.

12:00 - Tips: 72 hour reset, physical distance, disabling notifications, no phone zones.

Give your brain a break for just 3 days. You may be surprised by the changes you notice in your focus, mood and cravings.

Our smartphones are shaping our brains in subtle but significant ways. What happens when we take a break from them?
In this episode, I discuss a new study showing that just 3 days of reduced smartphone use can measurably change brain activity and 'cool down' craving circuits. The research taps into neuroplasticity - how stimuli like screen time actually rewires our brains over time. Other studies back this up, linking excessive phone use to poorer attention, memory, and self-control. Even short digital detoxes can start to reverse these effects.
2:00 - The study details: 25 adults limited phone use for 3 days. Brain scans showed less activity in reward/impulse areas when seeing phone images.
5:30 - How this reflects neuroplasticity. The brain is conditioned by what you feed it, including screen time.
8:45 - Other research showing impacts like worse attention and feeling 10 years younger after a 2-week detox.
10:30 - We check phones over 1000 times daily. This damages focus, stress, sleep and relationships.
12:00 - Tips: 72 hour reset, physical distance, disabling notifications, no phone zones.
Give your brain a break for just 3 days. You may be surprised by the changes you notice in your focus, mood and cravings.

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self. 

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.&nbsp;

Wisdom Wednesdays: Your brain thanks you for even a small smartphone break

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/ff394171-93b2-41ac-925c-b329006f08c9/transcript

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