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by Ciarah Clemente
January 25, 2018

 Do you always check your social media everywhere anytime? Do you put your cell phone next to you when you sleep? Do you know the term NOMOPHOBIA? You may be one of the Filipinos who may have nomophobia.

photo credits: google images

Nomophobia

NO Mobile phone PHOBIA means the fear of losing your smartphones. Most of us are cellphone junkies. We cannot leave our house without it and every morning this is the first gadget that we check. It also triggers your anxiety when your phone is not available to you. It became an addiction.

Some symptoms of nomophobia are the feeling of panic when separated from your phone, feeling anxious when you do not have your phone, and checking your phone every time even if you don’t have a notification.

Other symptoms may include:
 

•    Panic attacks.

•    Dizziness.

•    Shortness of breath.

•    Nausea.

•    Sweating.

•    Elevated heartbeat.

•    Trembling.

•    Chest pain.

But, don’t worry! Here in Streamline, we will give you some tips to treat your nomophobia slowly but surely.

In an article written by Carmen Chai about nomophobia, Dr. Brenda Wiederhold said that, “Nomophobia, fear of missing out (FOMO), and fear of being offline (FOBO) – all anxieties born of our new high-tech lifestyles – may be treated similarly to other more traditional phobias. Exposure therapy, in this case turning off technology periodically, can teach individuals to reduce anxiety and become comfortable with periods of disconnectedness.”

Here's the list of practices to treat your nomophobia progressively.

•    Go and buy yourself an organizer. List all the things that you need to do every day so that you don’t have to check your phone for reminders or notifications.

•    Turn off your phone for an hour or two and practice verbal communication with other people.

•    Try a no mobile phone policy for a day and you’ll feel free.

•    Turn off your phone and put it in a distant room when you’re sleeping. According to WHO electronic devices, in general, are bad for the body and can increase the chances of cancer. It produces toxic effects. It also increases stress levels.

Yes, cell phones are now a necessity but overly attached to your phone may cause nomophobia. Practice these tips and bring back your daily life without the excessive use of a phone. Go and experience your life, not on your screen.

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