Do You Need A Digital Detox? Tips on Setting It Down
Do you need a digital detox?
Modern days are technology-based. We use our phones for work, pleasure, research, interaction, and for pretty much anything else. Besides the vital role that technology plays in our society, negative effects do exist, and our personal life and mental health can be at risk.
Have you ever heard the quote "Life is what's happening when you're not looking at your smartphone"?
Our technology is making our life easier on so many aspects, but it's our duty to draw a line between comfort and addiction.
Can technology become an addiction?
The answer is YES - and this is one of the most important reasons why you need a digital detox.
Unfortunately, internet/computer addiction is now recognized as a proper mental health disorder and ranks up there with drugs, alcohol, and gambling addictions.
Just think that the average American checks their phone 80 times a day*, and we check emails and social media every 6 minutes.**
Why are digital detoxes so useful?
Taking a digital detox is the fastest and most effective way to reduce screen time and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
By mindfully reducing your use of technology, you will alleviate physical and mental symptoms, such as:
- Headaches
- Strained vision
- Procrastination
- Isolation
- Lack of focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor time management
- Feelings of guilt and comparison
You need a digital detox to gain back control over your life
Are you controlling your life, or your devices are? Are you checking your phone anytime you have to wait, or don't know what to do?
The goal here is not to completely ignore our devices, but to create a healthy habit and co-live with our technology.
Try to be conscious of your technology use.
You'll be surprised how much free time you will gain, and your productivity will be over the roof! When we decide to focus on our life and then ask for a little help from technology, we are peacefully co-existing.
Technology was invented and is constantly updated to ensure our lives can be a bit easier, so let's try to work on that.
Now that we are all home due to the COVID-19 I urge you more than ever to reconsider your relationship with your devices. And some people are killing it!
Remember, it's not about being perfect but being mindful.
PRO TIP
Hit that airplane mode more often!
Build the habit of using the offline mode every time you have to focus on something or you want to relax.
And then start living again.
You could read a book, focus on your work, stay with your family or loved one, nourish your hobby.
You'll have time to recreate physical connections
A couple of weeks ago I caught myself saying:
"How I wish this person was online. This way, I'd know how to approach it."
Unfortunately, there was no way for me to take it back and I had a hard time realizing it...
But I was dealing with technology addiction. I had forgotten how to talk to people anymore because, nowadays, we can simply slide in their DMs, react to their latest Instagram story or following them.
This is not how the offline world works.
It's useless to say... But building relationships offline is the core of our human nature. We are social animals and we need to interact often in order to keep our mental health safe.
The ironic thing is that we think we are interacting 24/7 every time we are online, that often times we don't realize how lonely we are. Especially when we are in a room full of people and we are talking to our phones.
PRO TIP
There is nothing wrong with using social media now and then, we are talking about social media abuse.
Why not trying to limit your social media time? It can be as easy as setting a reminder, and there are countless apps you could download to help you achieve this goal.
When you start to feel bored again, grab a book! Or call someone, cook something delicious or write down your thoughts.
Can't sleep properly? You need a digital detox
Using your phones right before going to bed might be the cause of your disturbed sleep pattern.
Have you noticed that the more you watch TV or your phone at nights, the hardest it is to fall asleep?
The blue wavelengths are beneficial during the day, as it boosts attention, reaction time, and mood; but can be very disruptive at night!
Nowadays blue light blocker glasses are becoming more and more popular, and for a reason.
We are dealing with a ridiculous amount of digital information and we spend more and more time in front of screens (whether it might be for work, study, or fun). Using a pair of blue light blocker glasses can help you relieve some of those symptoms, but the goal still remains reducing our screen time!
PRO TIP
Besides getting yourself a pair of blue light blocking glasses, stop every digital activity 2 hours prior to bedtime. Not only you'll fall asleep faster, but you'll sleep better!
You'll have more me-time and develop your creativity
Sometimes we complain about not having enough time, but we are self-sabotaging by wasting so much time on social media.
Nowadays, the problem lays in considering social media as me-time, and refusing to put our phones down because "we are free".
Our goals require time and dedication, and we can easily make time for them by setting intentions with our screens.
It can be as straightforward as limiting your screen time with an app, or you could hide your phone somewhere else while you are relaxing.
Don't let the idea of "I have nothing to do" fools you! You need to recharge yourself as much as you charge your phone, and even more!
If you want to declutter your mind and stop multitasking, then you need a digital detox