*Jozzua Notes from a Business and Marketing Strategist/Tactician

Alert! An Addiction Is Spreading Around The Philippine Internet

Pinoys and pinays are now falling over a dreaded new illness - Involuntary Online Writing Syndrome (IOWS) or more commonly known as...

BLOGGING.

It is estimated that the average blogger will spend over 8 hours thinking of what to blog. The long-term health hazards of insomnia and stress are caused by this blogging-addiction. Stress begins in the brain, with a surge of hormones causing intense alertness. In this hyped state, we cannot relax or sleep.

Effects of blogging addiction includes:

• Exhaustion
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory loss

Unchecked blogging addiction can also trigger depression, which strikes twice as many women as men. IOWS causes stres which suppresses the hypothalamus, the emotion control center in our brains, curbing the production of the hormones that energize us and make us feel well.

The symptoms of blog addictions include:

• Mental and behavior changes- Any change to personality due to blogging.
• Appetite changes - Poor or increased appetite caused by blogging
• Secrecy - tries to sneak to the computer and blog whenever possible.
• Isolation - prefers to think alone and blog quietly. Dislikes noise.

Blogging experts recommend the following activities to curb addiction:

Exercise. Just 40 to 60 minutes three times a week triggers hormones that relax the body and boost the immune system. Try yoga -- many doctors are so sure it relieves stress they send patients with high blood pressure to classes.

Watch your diet. Stress elevates blood insulin levels, so you will be hungry. Avoid sweets, which will only raise insulin levels higher and make you hungrier. Eat food high in protein during the day to keep you satisfied and alert. Fruits and vegetables will help counter stress effects on skin and hair, while dairy products protect bones.

Chill out. Allot three hours on the weekend for chores, then go have fun. Massage, meditation and breathing exercises relieve tension. Take up crossword puzzles, or play card games to distract you from stress while stimulating you mentally.

What you can do

If you or someone you love is a blog addict, it is highly recommended that you take them out to relaxing, social events. Invite them to exercise and to eat healthy meals. You can treat them out to COFFEE or BEER too.

:)