Restlessness is Harmful

Restlessness means the lack of rest and quietness in a person. It's not a disease or disorder.  It can be felt in the mind or body or both. Despite the conscious efforts to contain the mind, it remains in an agitated status when one or several thoughts spring up randomly and simultaneously. Such a disturbed mind provokes a person to move around aimlessly and  end up in a fatigued body. Restlessness is different from the activeness, as the latter performs any task with focus when the mind and body work in tandem. Overactiveness is although a mild form of restlessness, the anxiety and fatigue are not felt. Ant and Hummingbird are good examples for activeness whereas the Squirrel is the overactive animal. Man alone exhibits the behavior of restlessness.

Causes of Restlessness are many. The most common and frequent reasons are listed here. 1) Anxiety arising from pessimism 2) Inadequate sleep and rest 3) Excessive worries about the future 4) Weakness and poor health due to illness 5) Obsession for power and control 6) Lack of faith and trust in others 7) Element of fear 8) Overzealous to get success and results 9) Engage in multitasking 10) Possession of too much knowledge and skill 11) Paucity of time and emergency situations, and 12) Matters of self-interest. 

Effects of Restlessness are several. The major five consequences are given to understand the significance. 1) Lack of self-confidence 2) Tension and stress culminating in chaos 3) Deterioration in physical health 4) Poor mental ability leading to wrong judgement and strained relationships, and 5) Seclusion from others.

Remedies to overcome the restlessness. Delegate the works to others or attend them based on the priority. When facing dilemmas or stress, move away from the scene to remain idle and lonely without any action. Practice yoga and meditation to restore patience, concentration and confidence. Take a rest at intervals and relax by closing the eyes. Divert and focus attention towards what is more absorbing and rejuvenating to the mind. Do not prefer any temporary relief through the tranquilizers and sedatives that are harmful in the long run. 

A normal man will experience the restlessness in extraordinary situations like loss of the dear ones, failure in the profession or business, natural calamities, etc.. In a weak minded person, it emerges naturally and frequently. By constant practice and faith, the restlessness can be got rid of. Nothing is impossible to change.

Technology Needs Care

The world's development can be classified in two periods as 'Hardware-oriented' and 'Software-driven.' The first period started with the invention of a wheel whilst the computer began the second part. We are living in the software era where everything is controlled by the so-called program or language. Technology enables our life and spoils as well. Technology comes at a heavy price: because it triggers new sources of destruction also. Definitely, it is the way how we use the technology that matters the most.

Some people have technophobe based on their previous experience and as a matter of precaution. A friend of mine stopped driving his motorcycle after a minor accident. However, the majority of the youth is technophile to the extent that they will grab anything launched new; especially cell phones. The next generation feels it is a style statement or smartness. Nevertheless, persons having access to the technology fare better than others. A few cases are quoted here to highlight the issues that emerge from the excessive and improper use of technology in our daily life.

Processed and Frozen food: Use fresh water, vegetables, fruits and other foods. That too, locally available food is the best for good health. Avoid and shun the processed and canned foods or drinks to the possible extent. The stored and frozen food always undergoes the chemical changes and becomes unfit for consumption.

Genetically Modified crops: These might yield more food production and profit, but result in health hazards and environmental problems. Even the native plants and animals would become extinct. That's why organic farming and its products are advocated of late.

Chemicals and Pesticides: Constant inhalation of harmful materials and gases causes cancer. Such condition is induced when we get exposed repeatedly to the chemicals in the fruits and vegetables grown on plants and trees sprayed with pesticides. Intensive farming with fertilizers and pesticides has rendered the soil unfit for further cultivation while affecting the life of the native insects and predators. Refineries and chemical factories spew both air and water pollutants. The classic example is the Bhopal (India) gas tragedy due to the leak of poisonous gas from the Union Carbide factory that occurred in December, 1984. Chemical and biological warfare are employed killing several innocent lives.

Electronic Goods: Radiation from computer monitors affects the regular user. Prolonged use of laptops is reported to have bruised the user's thighs. The cell phones not only affect the health, but even kill if used while driving or walking on the road. An air conditioner causes sinusitis and respiratory disorders. Thanks to the television and the Internet, many people have become lazy in physical and mental activities. Steve Jobs, cofounder of Apple Inc., admitted in an interview that his children had restricted access to the iPad and the Internet as the overexposure would affect their natural growth.

Nuclear Energy: After-effects of the reactor destruction and nuclear explosion are common knowledge. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine during April,1986 led to the spread of radioactive particles in the atmosphere of western USSR and Europe.

Microwave tower: Mushrooming of the microwave towers used in telecommunication is reported to affect the health of people residing in their vicinity while birds like sparrows have disappeared.

Excessive and indiscriminate use of science and technology for development has led to the encroachment of forests, depletion of the ozone, and global warming. Several parts of the world are already experiencing the climatic changes like unseasonal rains, snowfalls and droughts. Many species of flora and fauna are becoming scarce and extinct owing to the above reason. Welfare of man takes place at the cost of other life forms that make up the integral links of Earth's sustenance.

'Too much of anything is good for nothing' holds relevant at all times. We have only one Earth. Let us strive to use the technology judiciously for safety and security of all its inhabitants.