Digital Detox | Be it on the beach, at the workplace or thousands of metres above sea-level in the mountains searching for a signal, our phones never leave our hands. According to a study, an average person spends four hours a day on their phones, and about two of those are spent on social media. We know you might have tried uninstalling apps, switching off your mobile data or even your phone; only to go back to square one immediately.
Trust us, we too have tried long and hard to end this slavery and failed many times, but let us tell you why you need to anyway.
The term detox or detoxification is a process wherein your body naturally gets itself rid of toxic substances and things which are no longer needed in the system. Similarly, a digital detox is a prolonged time in which one refrains from using all the digital gadgets connected to the internet, mainly smartphones and computers.
It promotes a healthy environment and provides you with the opportunity to focus on real-world interactions, experience nature, and ultimately reduce your daily stress. Making sure that you unplug yourself frequently will enable a healthy balance between your real life and the digital one.
Now, let’s get into why digital detox is just as important as a diet one.
If you’re one of those who check their phone before you go to sleep or stay up scrolling in the middle of the night, this is definitely for you. A study by the National Sleep Foundation addresses the association between constant use of technology and unnatural sleep disturbances. A digital detox will definitely aid you in getting a more sound sleep.
Aligning your personal and professional life can become difficult if you’re constantly connected and in contact with devices 24/7. Taking a step back from the continuous indulgence in technology can help to restore this balance, meaning work can stay at work which leaves quality time for you to spend around your loved ones.
After spending a good chunk of your day in front of your computer, followed by social media after can put quite a strain on your eyes. Problems like headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision become a common occurrence. Practice digital detox for more than a few days at a stretch. You’ll instantly notice your eyes being more relaxed and rejuvenated.
Ideas usually come to us when our mind is at ease, like in a relaxing shower, during conversations or while taking a stroll in the park. Notice the common denominator is that you’re not glued to your electronic gadgets at the time. Being able to notice everything around you and comprehending information using all your senses better, helps you spark new ideas.
Have you noticed yourself get anxious when you’re disconnected from social media even for a little while? Well, if studies are to be believed, Social Media Anxiety Disorder is a real thing. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem have been linked to the constant use of social media. A digital detox ensures that you stay focused on your goals and keep your online activity time in check.
No, it doesn’t mean you have to swear off technology forever. But to know that there’s more to life than a bunch of gadgets and social media stories. Even just five days of digital detox will enable you to indulge in your real-life better. Live in the moment, and stay connected to your soul.
