Doctor warns daily habit done by millions 'weakens' your immune system

Dr Mark Hyman, a renowned doctor and author famed for his podcast The Doctor's Farmacy, has issued a stark warning to the millions of social media users who engage in a daily routine that could lead to numerous health issues.

On his Instagram account, followed by over 3 million people, he declared: "Our brains are on overload. Bombarded by endless notifications, doom scrolling, and heated debates-especially with politics dominating social media."

He went on to discuss the detrimental effects this habit can have. He added: "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.

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"Research shows that chronic exposure to this kind of stress impairs focus, disrupts sleep, and even weakens your immune system."

Highlighting the necessity of taking breaks to the Daily Record, Dr Hyman advised: "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."

On a shared graphic, the text urged a disconnection from our devices: "Stop taking your phone to the bathroom.

"Stop using your phone when you're eating. Stop checking it during every moment of downtime."

Hyman also encouraged embracing dull moments: "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."