Stiff neck? discomfortable eyes? headaches? and some anxiety? These are the signs that show you might be in front of your screen for too long. So today, let’s talk about Digital Detox.
Modern technology has made life easier and more comfortable. You will note that most people owns more than three electronic devices out there and they might even use multiple devices at the same time.
Statistics clearly show that the number of mobile users has increased by a large margin and the number of social media users is growing every day.
This is a firm proof that most people spend more time on their gadgets. Most of them usually use these gadgets for more than 8 hours in a day. Do you know that this can actually hinder you from being productive and increase your stress level?.
Besides, staring at the screen of your phone, laptop or computer for many hours is not good for your overall physical health (Yes, I am talking about these back pains and shoulder aches).
Also, you might not be able to get ample time to fully relax and restore your brain energy, which leads to a constantly restrained mental status.
This is why you should consider a digital detox, at least every once in a while. In this article, we will talk about all the benefits you will experience from digital detox, along with how to manage it, step by step.
What is Digital Detox?
Digital Detox, also called “technology detox”, basically refers to the process of refraining from the use of electronic devices so that you can reduce stress and enable you to have some personal time without necessarily having to use your device.
It can greatly help to calm your mind and even enable you to meditate. It can also help you do other meaningful activities instead of spending more time on your mobile device. Most people have appreciated the need of considering a digital detox. This practice has become very popular out there.
What are the Benefits of Digital Detox?
As mentioned earlier, the use of mobile phones and laptops has been on the rise. This has made many people spend more time checking social media updates, emails and other information on their phones instead of doing other meaningful activities.
This is the reason why digital detox is important. It can help reduce the use of these devices and enable you to do other meaningful activities, either at school, home or even at the workplace. The following are the reasons why you need digital detox.
1. Increase your productivity
The use of mobile devices can make you be unproductive at some point. This is because you might get tempted to check social media updates and even update a few applications at the expense of doing quality work either at school, home or in the workplace.
This can actually hinder you from achieving your set goals. Digital detox can help solve this problem.
You can be assured that you will be more productive and thereby achieve your set objectives.
2. Gives you more time to think
How often do you have time to think about your life? You will note that most people rarely have this time. This is the reason why you should detach yourself from your device and take time to think about yourself.
You can even take time and meditate. You can think about your problems and find solutions to these problems. The good news is that you are likely to come up with a good idea when your mind is calm.
Digital detox allows your mind to stay calm and thereby allows you to think broadly. This way, you might be able to come up with a good project that can help you earn some money.
You might even be able to come up with great solutions that can help solve your problem without necessarily relying on google. A distraction-free opportunity can help open up your mind and enable you to become more creative. This has actually worked well for many people out there.
3. Minimizes stress
Study has clearly show that Mobile overuse can lead to stress, sleep disturbances and even depression. Despite these are not “visible” symptom, they can be a real killer for your health and I bet many of you already experience these listed symptoms.
Then, WHY DON’T YOU STOP? or at least limit yourself?
Think about it, our mobile devices normally enable us to receive emails, social media updates, text messages, online shopping and that’s about it.
Compare to you personal health, are these really that important?
I know some of you are obsessed of being active and always responsive. But sometimes, you might get an email that you are needed at the workplace when you should actually be at home with your kids or with your loved ones. You might even get a horrifying notification that can deny you the happiness that you need.
Is it really worth it? Spending all you time just to be always fully alerted and risk your own happiness and the potential joys with your beloved ones.
It is the time for you to put down your devices! This can not only reduce your stress and anxiety level, but also increase your overall well-being.
4. Enables you to share a great moment with those whom you love physically
Using your mobile device all the time can hinder you from connecting with those people whom you love physically. This is because you might be on your phone or laptop at the expense of spending time with your loved ones. This can make them feel lonely.
You should be able to keep your phone or laptop aside and spend quality time with your loved ones. You can choose to clean the house together or even cook together.
This can help make the bond between you and loved ones stronger.
5. Makes you more active.
Leading an active lifestyle can make you healthier. This has worked well for many people out there. You should not sit down for many hours working on your laptop or a computer. You should give yourself a break.
You can choose to go swimming or even do some manual work. You can even clean your home. This can help your body to stay healthy and strong.
In addition, this can help reduce the chances of getting lifestyle diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and so on.
How To Conduct Digital Detox?
There are many ways that can help you achieve this objective. You should, therefore, consider the following ideas:
1. Avoid using your smartphone or tablet as an alarm clock
Most people are fond of using their smartphones as alarm clocks. This can actually tempt you to check your emails and social media updates.
This is the reason why you should invest in an alarm clock. This can prevent you from getting late to work or school.
2. Engage in out-of-work activities where it is difficult to use technology
There are many activities that you can consider out there. It is advisable that you ensure that these activities do not rely on technology.
In this case, you can consider swimming, jogging, meditation and so on. This can help break the monotony of the workplace and enable your mind to get relaxed.
These activities can also help you reduce your weight.
3. Turn off notification and alerts on your smartphone for a certain period of time.
You can turn off these notifications instead of receiving notifications all the time. This can actually relax your mind and perhaps do some house chores at home.
You can even choose to visit your friend and share stories with him with her without being distracted by these notifications.
4. Try the rule of the thirds
Considering a digital detox does not mean that you should not work. You should divide your day into three.
You should spend 8 hours working, 8 hours sleeping and 8 hours free.
You can utilize this free time to interact with your friends or just spend time alone. You can also take a nature walk with your dog and so on.
5. Take Tech breaks
It is important for you to take a break from your laptop or smartphone and do other meaningful activities. This can be cleaning your home, socializing with friends, relaxing or even sleeping.
This way, your mind will be able to relax and your body will get revitalized. This can greatly help your mind to get refreshed.
Final Words
I am sure you have a better understanding about digital detox now.
I challenge you to actually DO IT! It is not as easy as it sounds like, but the definitely worth the action.
You will enjoy the results. And your body and your mind will thank you!