Do you get notifications, emails, and ads all the time?
If you find yourself constantly scrolling and procrastinating on real-life tasks because of TikTok or Instagram reels, this is the article for you.
Research has shown that one-fourth of the general population could be affected by at least one type of digital addiction, so you’re not alone in that overwhelming feeling.
It could be the perfect moment to start a digital detox. What it is and why we should do one every month are questions we’ll answer here.
Read on!
Why Do A Digital Detox?
There are negative effects to consider when we’re discussing the constant use of digital devices of every kind. Increased anxiety, worry about the future, tired eyesight… you name it.
Unfortunately, the screen time has gone up. Nowadays people spend 2.15 hours a day on social media alone – up from 1.5 hours in 2012.
A digital detox helps to mitigate and actively counteract these effects, and instead, it gives you health benefits. It should become an essential mental health practice, like going for a walk.
Reduced Stress And Anxiety
Our phones have almost become an extension of our hands. We check the weather, the news, and even the traffic before we go out. If you find an information source that’s beneficial to you, there’s no problem with that. But if you constantly feel like you have to be online–it becomes an issue.
One of the best effects of doing a digital detox is that you will reduce your stress and anxiety because constantly being connected leads to information overload.
You simply cannot process too many things happening at the same time, and if you add a constant information stream to your daily load of chores and tasks, you might quickly find yourself too anxious to function.
Unplug and give your mind a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Be present in the moment.
Better Relationships
Spending too much time on your phone can make your relationship with friends and family suffer.
With a digital detox, you can interact with people face to face, and you can reconnect in a meaningful way with your loved ones.
More Productivity
The simple truth is, that our phones take away a lot of our time.
Although productivity isn’t the end goal of our lives unless we make it so, it’s also true that your focus improves when you’re not on your phone.
A digital detox can help you manage your time in a better way.
How To Do A Digital Detox
The first and most essential step is that you don’t get overwhelmed. For some people, spending time away from their phones can be anxiety-inducing. So, here are some practical tips to help:
- Set clear boundaries: you can start with just fifteen minutes or half an hour a day without checking your phone once. Then, you can take a full day each week or a full weekend each month. Tell your friends so that they don’t worry about you.
- Offline activities: exercise, read a book, go for a walk, cook, or practice any hobby that doesn’t involve a screen. You don’t need to rely on your phone for everything, and truly, people have only done it for the past decade or so.
- Stay mindful: the impulse to check your phone all the time will be there, but it will slowly stop over time. Practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.
When you’re done, take your time and reflect on what you’ve learned. Plan your next digital detox accordingly, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Final Thoughts
Taking regular breaks from screens and social media platforms is more important than ever today.
You can improve your sleeping patterns, reduce stress, boost your productivity, and enjoy quality time with the people you love.
Explore your possibilities and adjust your plan according to them. You’ll get your screening time back under control in no time.