Do you spend most of your time scrolling through social media platforms only to end up feeling anxious and not connected with the real world? Do you feel the constant urge to check your phone instead of checking up on yourself? If these instances define your current reality, it might be time for you to consider a digital detox.
In today’s evolving and hyperconnected world, being virtually active has become our top priority. Our constant efforts to be connected over messages for professional or personal reasons are more important than any other thing in the world. Be it work, social events, a source of entertainment or leisure time, we ultimately choose to resort to our electronic devices. However, despite its resourcefulness, continuous usage of it of course comes with a huge price. Its widespread has slowly but crucially started affecting our mental well-being, generally in circumstances which are not identified and anticipated.
So what exactly is the term ‘digital detox’ and how is this impacting our mental health?
‘Digital Detox’ can be described as a time period where an individual stays away from electronic devices and social networking platforms.
Usually, a digital detox is intended to reduce anxiety and stress by being focused on real-time situations and involved in social interactions that don’t count in the presence of digital platforms. Constant involvement in digital gadgets can lead to an endless obsession which harms our mental wellbeing. How? Let’s find out.
Anxiety and Stress: Today’s young generation is in a constant loop of notifications, emails, and social media updates that can instigate anxiety and stress. Excessive usage of digital platforms and devices is connected with high-stress levels. This is significantly happening due to the continuous demand of reciprocating instantly to text messages and the popular phrase ‘Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) on social media updates.
Disturbed Sleep Cycle: The Blue light from digital screens disrupts our sleep cycles. Excessive screen time before bed can make falling asleep difficult. It strains our eyes and prevents the brain from fully shutting down, potentially leading to serious health issues.
Disrupts Attention Span: Continuously back and forth to different applications on digital screens can result in a decreased attention span. As we are constantly indulged in our phones, we tend to live in a digital world which snatches our attention span. This can be disadvantageous as disruption in attention span leads to impairment in cognitive functions and lower productivity.
Social Isolation: While social media has been invented to connect with different people across the world, this platform has isolated people from their close ones. Constant use can distance us from loved ones, leading to loneliness. Virtual chats lack emotional depth and personal touch, depriving conversations of meaning. Paradoxically, overusing social media has led people to a land of isolation.
So, how can detox from digital endeavors can help a person improve mental health and overall well-being?
Enhanced Mood and Low Anxiety: A person who distances from social media can see a tremendous level of improvement in terms of mood. Furthermore, digital detox helps reduce episodes of anxiety, allowing people to relax themselves and be in the moment.
Improvement in Sleep Cycle: Avoiding screen time before going to bed can serve as a best practice of digital detox. A person who doesn’t indulge in using electronic devices can experience improved sleep patterns and quality, fostering overall well-being.
Optimized Focus and Productivity: Silencing phones for at least 2-3 hours can help people optimize their attention and focus on themselves efficiently. This improved focus can prove beneficial in terms of improved productivity, allowing people to engage in building habits that promote psychological betterment.
Fosters Healthy Relationships: Digital detox fosters healthy relationships as one-on-one conversations play a key role in building and nurturing supportive relationships, promoting togetherness.
Beginning on this journey of digital detox can seem quite dreading and impossible as the era we are living in constantly demands us to be virtually active and responsive. However, following some habits can help to overcome this daunting feeling and reclaim efficiency in digital detox. How? Let’s sneak in
1) Set Definite Boundaries: Deciding a timeline of digital usage can help to rule out a definite schedule for not using any electronic device. Establishing these timelines can help to set strong boundaries, fostering real-time experiences.
2) Decide Tech-Free Spaces: Another practice that can help to ace digital detox is deciding spaces that exclude any technological devices. This can include any part of the house such as the living room or kitchen as these areas promote real-life interactions.
3) Use Technology Thoughtfully: One can start making a habit of being intentional while using electronic devices. A person can choose to read a book or play an interesting sport when bored instead of engaging in mindless scrolling. Deciding the purpose of using digital platforms can improve accountability.
4) Indulge in Real-Time Activities: People who want to practice digital detox can engage in rediscovering their hobbies and promoting real-time activities. Picking up old hobbies such as reading books, trekking, or painting can reignite a new perspective, ensuring a productive break from the much-hyped digital realm.
A digital detox has been perceived as an act that emphasizes completely eliminating the presence of technology from our lives. However, digital detox promotes taking a break from a continuous series of digital activities to invest time in finding a healthy balance. Ensuring spending time on electronic devices at specific time slots can enhance mental and physical well-being, guaranteeing harmonious relationships and fulfilling lives. So, next time, if you feel overwhelmed while spending your time continuously on digital platforms, this is a sign for you to consider opting for a digital detox. Hence, consider embarking on this journey with small steps towards digital detox. Your mind and body will be grateful!
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