Try and leave your smartphone at home for a while when you step outside. It is not easy, is it? This is because we have become extremely dependent on our phones. Today, everything that happens in your daily life, both personal and professional, requires you to use a smartphone. While these devices are an integral part of our life, a few practices should be avoided to prevent health issues and keep up your productivity.

Using the phone before bed
Many people use their cell phones to watch something before bed. With the introduction of 5G services and affordable cell phone plans, one can watch shows and movies and play games at the highest quality without interruption. However, using any type of screen that emits blue light can affect your health, especially during bedtime. The light can obstruct the production of a chemical called melatonin in the brain, affecting your sleep pattern and making you feel tired the following day. So avoid using your smartphone for an hour or two before going to bed. Instead, you can try reading a book, as this should not affect your sleep.

Not sanitizing the device
It is important to sanitize your phone regularly as your surroundings could be packed with bacteria that latch onto the device. These germs then stick to your hands and even your face while you use the phone. This can affect the skin, leading to issues like acne, and also make you vulnerable to infections. So you must ensure that the device is sanitized and then wiped with a microfiber cloth to get rid of germs and dirt.

Hunching over the phone
Most smartphone users tend to hunch over their cell phones. However, this position is not sustainable for the body and can have long-term effects on the bone structure. Bad posture can lead to a health condition called “text neck” and cause aggravating pain in the neck and shoulders, and lower back. These symptoms are common among teenagers and younger kids. So whenever you use a smartphone, try sitting up straight.

Not using a screen protector
Most smartphones come with a glass front for the touch functions to work, and more premium devices come with glass backs. Every year advancements in technology allow manufacturers to improve the durability of the phone. However, glass can still be fragile and could shatter. So, not using a screen protector for your phone could expose the gadget to scratches, cracks, and severe damage. You can also use a phone case to protect the entire device in case it slips and falls.

Neglecting smartphone security
Smartphone users are constantly connected to the internet, so the devices must be updated regularly. Those who do not opt for security patches from the manufacturer and do not update their phones expose the gadgets to malicious cyber attacks. So, installing app updates and software updates is a crucial measure to ensure your smartphone has the tools to prevent digital threats.

Another habit to avoid is paying for phone plans without doing any research. Many smartphone owners make this common mistake. The plan you purchased might sometimes be contractual, and you’ll be stuck with it until the course runs out. Researching a competent 5G phone plan and sticking to reliable carriers like Verizon can benefit you. The brand offers unlimited nationwide 5G plans for as low as $35/month per line.

Additionally, you should avoid unreliable 5G phone plans and go with top network providers like AT&T, T-mobile, US Cellular, Sprint, and Verizon. You should also opt for the following latest smartphones to get uninterrupted, high-speed internet services:

3rd Generation Apple iPhone SE: If you prefer compact iOS phones, check out the 3rd Generation Apple iPhone SE released on March 18, 2022. You can choose 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, a 4.7-inch screen, and a powerful A15 Bionic chip.

iPhone 14 lineup: The iPhone 14 at $800, iPhone 14 Pro starting at $1,000, and iPhone 14 Pro Max priced at $1,099 are great picks this shopping season. Released on September 7, 2022, all the phones come with iOS 16, standard 128GB storage, and a Super Retina XDR OLED display.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: The Android phone went on sale on August 26, 2022, and is a great option at a starting price of $700. An IPX8 water resistance rating and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor are two stellar features you can find in the phone.

Google Pixel: The Google Pixel 6A, launched on July 28, 2022, sells for about $400, and is powered by Google Tensor. It has a 6.1-inch display and Android 12. You can also try the Pixel 7 series starting from $600. Launched on October 13, 2022, it comes with the latest Tensor G2 chip, a 90Hz display, and 8GB of RAM.

Besides eliminating certain smartphone habits, it is also essential to cultivate some healthy ones that can ensure good health and safety. These healthy habits include purchasing a radiation protective case, using the “night mode” feature at night, monitoring app usage, and ensuring cybersecurity in one’s mobile phone. CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. is a cybersecurity technology company that utilizes world-class AI technology to identify shifts in adversarial tactics, produce actionable data, and incorporate its patent Threat Graph feature for real-time threat prevention.

Another reputed cybersecurity company is SentinelOne, Inc., listed in the NYSE and incorporates AI-powered endpoint security software to protect against all cyber attacks.