Doctor says 'stop' as common habit could be weakening immune system
A well-known doctor, speaker, educator and author is urging people to "stop" a common habit as it could cause anxiety, exhaustion, and even disrupted sleep and a weakened immune system. Dr Mark Hyman, who is also known for his podcast The Doctor's Farmacy, shares regular medical advice with his millions of Instagram followers.
In a new update this week, Dr Hyman said: "Our brains are on overload. Bombarded by endless notifications, doomscrolling, and heated debates—especially with politics dominating social media.
"This constant stimulation floods your system with stress hormones like cortisol, over-activating your amygdala (the brain’s fear centre) and leaving you feeling anxious, irritable, and exhausted. Research shows that chronic exposure to this kind of stress impairs focus, disrupts sleep, and even weakens your immune system.
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"Step away. Let your brain reset. Take a walk in nature, practice breathwork to calm your nervous system, or simply embrace moments of boredom—where creativity and problem-solving thrive. Disconnecting from the noise isn’t just a break; it’s essential for your mental and physical health."
Text across a graphic included within the post reads: "Stop taking your phone to the bathroom. Stop using your phone when you're eating. Stop checking it during every moment of downtime.
"Experiment with allowing yourself to experience boredom. Our brains didn't evolve for this level of stimulation. It's important to get bored and let the magic happen."