Smartphones and other electronic gadgets have enhanced our lives in multiple ways, but they also pose some health risks including potential hand pain, eye strain, and increased stress that is caused by information overload.

Below are a few of the challenges posed by these devices and what you can do to protect your mind health from gadget distractions.

Never check text messages or emails while driving and remember to turn off notifications.

Driving while texting is as dangerous as driving drunk. Try putting your phone in the back seat or even putting it on airplane mode so you won’t be tempted.

When texting, hold your phone about 12 inches from your face to avoid the tendency to hunch over and bend your neck forward.

Simply flexing the neck forward by a 60-degree angle actually adds 60 pounds of weight to your spine, which often leads to neck and shoulder pain and can aggravate symptoms of arthritis.

Take breaks from typing on your phone to avoid tendinitis and arthritis of the thumbs. The small muscle movements can be particularly stressful on your joints and cause inflammation.

Try using voice-to-text apps and regularly massage and stretch your fingers between texting sessions.