HEALTHY LIVING

How Social Media Apps Can Keep You Addicted

Published

11 months ago

March 2, 2024

How Social Media Apps Keep You Addicted | Fab.ng

Many of us have experienced the struggle of trying to disconnect from our phones, especially from social media apps, only to find ourselves pulled back in constantly. We might mindlessly switch between different apps, scroll through social media feeds, and engage in online discussions.

This cycle can consume our time, leaving us feeling like we’ve spent an entire day glued to the screen, from waking up to falling asleep.

But why does this happen? What makes us crave the latest online trends and conversations, constantly seeking updates and engaging in them?

The social media app algorithm

Social media platforms employ clever systems called algorithms to keep users engaged and coming back for more. These algorithms are like invisible analysts, studying the way you use the platform. They pay close attention to your actions, such as the things you like, comment on, share, and how long you spend looking at specific posts.

Based on this information, the algorithms create a personalised feed just for you. They organise the content you see in a way that they think will be most interesting to you, keeping you scrolling and interacting. This is all done with one main goal: to keep you using the platform as much as possible.

The longer you stay engaged, the more opportunities there are for you to see advertisements and interact with content that benefits the platform. As you continue to use the platform and interact with content, the algorithms learn even more about your preferences, constantly refining your personalised feed to keep you hooked.

Why are you addicted to social media?

How Social Media Apps Keep You Addicted | Fab.ng

Our brains and how they work are a big reason why social media is so addictive, and it’s hard to put our phones down.

1. Variable rewards

Think of social media like a surprise box. You never know what you’re going to find when you open it. Maybe you’ll see funny pictures, interesting news, or a message from a friend.

This mystery is part of what makes social media so addictive. The surprise keeps you coming back for more, even if you don’t know what you’ll get.

2. Infinite scrolling

Some apps, like Instagram, have a feature called “infinite scrolling.” This means that as you scroll down, new content automatically loads onto your screen, so you never reach the end. There’s always something new to see, and you can keep scrolling for as long as you want.

It’s like having an endless stream of information and entertainment at your fingertips. Unlike other things you might look at, like a book or a TV show, social media doesn’t have a natural stopping point. You’re in control of how much time you spend scrolling and what content you choose to see.

3. The dopamine effect

When you get a notification or a “like” on your social media post, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine that makes you feel good. This good feeling makes you want to keep using social media to get more of that feeling. This cycle can lead to social media addiction.

Social media companies design their apps to keep you hooked using a theory called the “Hooked Model.” This model says that there are four steps that keep users engaged:

Trigger: Something happens (like a notification) that makes you want to check your phone.
Action: You open the app and start looking at content.
Reward: You get something enjoyable, like seeing a funny video or getting a like on your post. This reward is unpredictable, which keeps you wanting more.
Investment: You share something or create content on the app, which makes you feel more invested in using it.

4. The lure of novelty

Human brains naturally crave new things to learn and see. This is why you enjoy exploring new places, trying different foods, and learning new skills. Social media and the internet are like never-ending playgrounds for human brains. They constantly provide you with a fresh flow of information, from funny videos and interesting articles to updates from friends and family.

This constant stream of new content keeps the brain stimulated and wanting to explore more, making it easy to spend a lot of time on these platforms.

5. Social connection

Humans naturally desire connection with others. Social media platforms act like online communities, providing a sense of belonging and connection. They allow you to interact and share with friends and family, no matter how far apart you are.

Additionally, social media can connect you with strangers who share similar interests, creating new friendships and expanding your social circles.

6. Fear of missing out (FOMO)

When you spend time offline, you might worry about missing out on something important, like news, updates, or conversations with friends. This fear of missing out can make you feel anxious and cause you to constantly check your phone to stay “in the loop.”

By being mindful of your phone usage, you can make conscious choices about when and how much you engage with social media.

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HEALTHY LIVING

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season

Published

1 month ago

December 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season | fab.ng

The Christmas season is full of joy, food, and celebrations, but it can also be a time when health routines fall by the wayside. To stay healthy during the festive period, adopting mindful habits is key.

Here are five actionable strategies to ensure you enjoy the festivities while prioritising your well-being.

1. Make Balanced Food Choices

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence. While it’s tempting to try everything on the table, opt for a balanced approach. Start meals with proteins and vegetables, which keep you full longer and stabilise your blood sugar.

Enjoy festive treats in moderation, allowing yourself small portions of your favourites without overindulging. By practising mindful eating, you can savour holiday flavours without guilt.

Staying hydrated is equally important. Drink plenty of water to counterbalance rich foods and avoid excessive sugary beverages or cocktails. Alternating alcohol with water is a good way to maintain balance during parties.

2. Prioritise Regular Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to stop during the Christmas season. Incorporate simple physical activities like morning walks, quick home workouts, or even yoga to maintain your energy levels and reduce stress.

A 10–15 minute walk after meals can aid digestion and manage blood sugar levels. Staying active ensures you feel energised and offsets the effects of holiday indulgences.

3. Manage Holiday Stress

The Christmas season can be hectic, with endless to-do lists and social events. Combat stress by practising mindfulness and setting realistic expectations for your time.

Take breaks when needed, meditate, or engage in activities that help you unwind. Organising your tasks and delegating responsibilities can also alleviate pressure.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is crucial for overall health, especially during a busy festive period. Poor sleep can lead to increased cravings and mood swings, making it harder to stick to healthy habits. Aim for 7–8 hours of rest each night.

Create a calming bedtime routine by avoiding screens, dimming lights, and reading a book to relax. Staying consistent with your sleep schedule will keep your energy levels high throughout the Christmas season.

5. Plan Ahead for Healthier Choices

With back-to-back events, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. Preparing healthy snacks like nuts, boiled eggs, or fruit ensures you have nutritious options on hand.

Planning meals and snacks ahead of time helps avoid impulsive decisions, keeping your health goals on track even during the busiest days.

Enjoy the Festivities While Staying Healthy

By focusing on mindful eating, staying active, managing stress, sleeping well, and planning ahead, you can enjoy the Christmas season while maintaining your health. Balancing fun with wellness ensures you start the new year feeling your best.

If you found this article helpful, read more here.

FOOD

5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

Published

2 months ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stay Healthy While Boosting Productivity

Published

2 months ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Balancing health and productivity is essential for personal well-being and professional success. Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases overall efficiency.

Here’s how you can maintain good health while staying productive:

1. Prioritise Physical Health

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity enhances both physical health and mental clarity. Simple practices like taking short walks during breaks or stretching between tasks improve circulation and energy levels.

Maintain Good Nutrition: Eating balanced meals fuels your body and brain. Choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) improves memory, focus, and mood, contributing to higher productivity. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Time

Identify peak productivity periods in your day. Allocate complex or creative tasks to those high-energy times, and save routine work for low-energy periods. This practice optimises your natural rhythms for maximum efficiency.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Take Short Breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and boost concentration. Even a five-minute pause every hour can refresh your mind.

Mindful Practices: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises reduce stress and improve focus. Incorporating these into your daily routine fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Create a Healthy Work Environment

Ergonomic Workspace: Arrange your workspace to support good posture and reduce strain. Use ergonomic furniture and ensure proper lighting to prevent fatigue.

Limit Distractions: Reduce noise and digital interruptions to stay focused. Tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings and noise-cancelling headphones can help create a conducive work atmosphere.

5. Foster Mental Health

Set Boundaries: Separate work from personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stay Connected: Engage in positive social interactions at work. A supportive environment enhances motivation and reduces feelings of isolation.

6. Optimise Productivity Techniques

Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to avoid frequent context-switching, which drains mental energy. This method enhances focus and efficiency.

Use To-Do Lists: Organise tasks by priority. Focus on completing high-value activities first to maximise your productivity.

By integrating these health-focused strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity, creating a sustainable path to professional success and personal fulfilment.