Why you should leave your phone behind the toilet door: eyes, muscles and bacteria

The habit of taking your phone to the bathroom may seem trivial, but it has more negative consequences than you might think.

The number of people who consciously leave their smartphones behind the bathroom door is growing — not only for hygiene reasons, but also to improve their own health and mental comfort.

Experts note that the toilet is one of the most common sources of dirt in the home. Interacting with the phone in these conditions increases the risk of transferring microbes from the screen to the face. Studies show that ventilation systems can spread contaminated air, increasing the risks. In addition, not having a phone is a short-term but proper break from screens. The average user spends more than 7 hours a day with a gadget, and even a few minutes without it can have a positive effect on the brain.

Among the practical reasons, it is worth noting that the phone can easily get wet or suffer other damage, and repairs in such cases will be expensive. In addition, constantly scrolling through news on social networks can lead to prolonged holding of a single position, which negatively affects the back and overall health. Incorrect posture can cause discomfort and muscle tension.

Psychologists also raise the important topic of addiction – more than 70% of people believe that they cannot leave their phone even for a short time. Giving up the gadget in the toilet can be a simple way to regain control over one’s own habits. It is also an opportunity to disconnect from the outside world, structure your thoughts, or enjoy a moment of silence without notifications and reminders about work.

In addition to reducing exposure to microbes, a break from the smartphone will also improve visual perception. Constant screen exposure can reduce blinking frequency, leading to dry eyes, and time away from a phone allows you to rest from tension.

Thus, avoiding smartphone use while visiting the restroom can be an easy way to improve both physical and mental health.