Is looking at your phone bad for you? 5 everyday things that cause your body pain

Is looking at your phone bad for you? Apparently so.

Life is a tricky game, by 5 PM most of us have probably ran for the train, lugged our too-heavy bags halfway across the city, and hopefully, done some actual work.

Here's some things you probably do every day that can result in discomfort - and the ways you can soothe them.

Looking at your phone for long periods can cause cramping (Credit: PA)

Is looking at your phone bad for you?

Looking at your phone can be bad fo you. When staring at your screen for long periods of time, it can often cause your neck to cramp. This is because that action is the same as placing 26 kilograms on the back of your neck. That's the equivalent of four bowling balls.

READ MORE: 7 pretty awful things wearing high heels does to your body 

To relieve this strain, try stretching your neck throughout the day. While looking straight ahead, gently lift your chin and slowly reach your ear to your shoulder on each side of your body.

Read through for more everyday things that can cause aches and pains...

Take breaks from your screen (Credit: Getty)

Scrolling through your phone

Your mobile device can also put strain on other body parts, too. For example, if you've ever wiled away the minutes scrolling through Instagram, you'll be well aware that all those thumb movements can lead to more than just procrastination.

On average, adults spend three hours a day on their phones, from texting your friends to playing games, it certainly adds up! All this activity can result in something known as "text thumb", which can lead to painful swelling and aches.

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Simple ways to soothe this without entirely giving up on your device include taking periodic rest and stretching. Try balling your hand into a fist before extending your fingers. Or, use your opposite hand to grab your thumb and gently pull it back for 30 seconds.

Be mindful when carrying heavy bags (Credit: Getty)

Carrying a bag that's too heavy

It's no secret that half the items in your bag are flat-out useless. Are you ever actually going to finish that 800-page epic novel that's been sitting at the bottom for 2 months and counting? Have you ever worn that lipstick colour in your life?

Most women, 92%, in fact, carry more than 10 items they never use.

Buy a smaller bag to reduce your clutter and the weight on your shoulders, both figuratively and literally. If you're not looking to invest in a new tote, get down into the classic child's pose stretch.

Or do a cross-body stretch: holding one arm above the elbow, pull it across your body, toward your chest, and hold before repeating with the other arm.

Take when bending (Credit: Getty)

Picking things off the ground

Twisting your back while lifting your kids' items from the floor, again and again, can harm your lower back.

You can practice lifting items properly to help with this. Squat down by only bending at your hips and knees.

As well as this, keep your back straight while carrying things and move slowly, holding items close to your body at the height of your waist.

Invest in comfortable footwear if you stand for long periods (Credit: Getty)

Standing on your own two feet

Maybe you have a job that requires you to constantly stand on your feet, or perhaps you've had a long day out on the town, walking the streets shopping and touring your city.

No matter the reason, your feet will be worse for wear if your shoes are sub-par.

Even if you haven't spent the day in heels, any unsupportive footwear can leave you in discomfort. Flip flops or ballet flats often don't provide adequate support for your feet. Long-term, this could cause more damage than your favourite pair of heels and cause foot pain.

Aim to invest in shoes with good cushioning properties, as this can reduce the impact on the body and back when you hit the ground running in the morning!

So, is looking at your phone bad for you? Not if you ensure to take regular breaks and commit to doing some simple stretches every day. And while you're at it, make sure to invest in some good shoes, why don't you?

Buy a smaller bag to reduce your clutter and the weight on your shoulders, both figuratively and literally. Plus, it's an excuse to buy a new purse. If you're not looking to invest in a new tote, get down into the classic child's pose stretch. Or do a cross-body stretch: holding one arm above the elbow, pull it across your body, toward your chest, and hold before repeating with the other arm.

Picking things up off the ground

Twisting your back while lifting your kids' items from the floor again and again can harm your lower back. Whether it's their heavy boots in the doorway, their backpacks in the living room, or their scooters in the driveway, the responsibility to put them away often falls to you. And though you're a good parent, you shouldn't have to suffer for it.

READ MORE: Shining a light on trichotillomania – the compulsion to pull out your own hair

You can practice lifting items properly to help with this. Squat down by only bending at your hips and knees. Keep your back straight while carrying things and move slowly, holding items close to your body at the height of your waist.

So now that you know how easy it is to cause your own body discomfort, what can you do next if you need a supplement to stretching? Well, you might turn to Deep Freeze Pain Relief Glide-on Gel to help soothe your sharp, shooting muscle and joint pain.

Deep Freeze can ease every day aches and pains (Credit: Deep Freeze)

While Deep Freeze won't cure your addiction to playing animated ping-pong on your phone, it can ease everyday pain, helping to make your life more comfortable. Deep Freeze Glide-on Gel's cold therapy soothes and relieves pain fast. While the cooling sensation is felt for up to an hour, the penetrating cooling provides longer-lasting pain relief. No more will your day-to-day aches and pains distract from life's simple pleasures.

Sponsored article in association with Deep Freeze.