Beach Reads and Brain Waves: EMFs and Cognitive Health

There’s nothing quite like a good book, a warm breeze, and maybe the sound of waves crashing in the background. Summer invites us to slow down and recharge while tackling that beach read that’s been waiting on the shelf. But for many of us, focus feels fleeting – even in the most relaxing environments. We pick up a book and reread the same paragraph three times, maybe more. Our thoughts wander, our brain feels foggy. What gives?

You’d think a quiet afternoon by the water would be the perfect recipe for a clear mind, but sometimes, even paradise can’t cut through the mental static. While stress, poor sleep, or dehydration can all affect mental clarity, there’s another factor that’s often overlooked but always quietly buzzing in the background: electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. 

EMFs are invisible energy waves produced by electronics and wireless devices. These are the things we’re surrounded by every day, whether at home or vacationing. Phones, tablets, laptops, earbuds, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth connections, portable speakers – they all emit EMFs. Our tech makes life undeniably more convenient and we value the connection it provides, but there is growing concern about how this constant exposure might be affecting our brains.

Emerging research suggests that prolonged EMF exposure can affect how we think, focus, and feel. Here’s what the science says about EMFs and cognitive function:

• Memory and Learning:  A 2018 study  found that teenagers who used their phones more frequently in contact with their heads had changes in brain function related to figural memory, or the ability to recall images, compared to peers with lower exposure.

• Attention and Focus:  A 2019 study published in Environmental Epidemiology  found that more time using screens and wireless devices was linked to more signs of attention problems and ADHD-like behavior. 

• Sleep and Mental Clarity: We know poor sleep can lead to brain fog, and exposure to EMFs has been linked to sleep challenges due to  disruptions in melatonin production.  

These effects are still being explored, but the pattern is hard to ignore. Research suggests that our brains might be more sensitive to the electromagnetic environment than we once thought.

Many of us see vacation as a chance to unplug. But realistically, most of us are still pretty plugged in between snapping vacation photos, reading on our E-readers, answering emails or messages from our beach chairs, or streaming shows after a long day in the sun.

Even on vacation, small shifts in your tech habits can support better focus and clearer thinking:

• Switch your phone to airplane mode when not in use

• Opt for wired headphones over Bluetooth earbuds

• Use speakerphone when possible

• Put distance between yourself and your devices – avoid carrying your phone in your pocket

• Create an EMF-friendly sleep zone by moving devices away from your bed at night

Another simple way to reduce the biological stress of EMFs is by cleaning up the electromagnetic environment itself. Aires products don’t block EMFs – which is a good thing. We want our devices to work, after all. Instead, they use patented microprocessor technology to restructure EMFs into a more biologically compatible form.

Want to keep your cognitive health in top shape this summer? Here are a few travel bag essentials to support your brain while enjoying those long sunny days:

• A “real” book: Opt for a physical copy over the e-reader – bonus points if you find it while exploring a new local bookstore.

• Hydration: It’s easy to forget to stop for water while enjoying a fun-filled vacation day, so remember to bring your favorite tumbler along with you.

• Card games or puzzles: Instead of doom-scrolling, relearn some of your old favorite card games and play them with a friend.

• Journal. Let your thoughts drift onto the page. Jot down reflections, sketch the scene around you, or write a letter to someone you love (even if you never send it). You might be surprised by what surfaces when your mind has room to wander.

• Wearable Lifetune device: Toss a Lifetune Flex or Go into your bag for EMF support on the go. 

Summer vacation gives us a chance to tune in to ourselves, maybe to nature, and to the people around us. Being mindful of EMF exposure doesn’t mean ditching your devices and opting for off-grid getaways. It’s all about being intentional about how we use our tech and how we support our brain in the process, whether you’re spending your days reading by the water, exploring a new city, or just enjoying a slower pace for the season.