A digital detox is when you don’t use technology for a period of time. This can mean moving away from your smartphone, TV, computer, table, or even social media sites. A digital detox is usually for a temporary set time. The time can be as you see fit. This can be for a few hours a day, at a specific time of the day, or even for an entire weekend.
On demand 61% of a group of people admittedly being addicted to the internet or the digital screen.
A digital detox doesn’t have to be where you give it up completely; it could be a decrease in the number of times you check your device. A detox could come from an app that makes you anxious or stressed out. Your digital detox can happen at a specific time of day or one day per week. There are many benefits to going digital, and in a world where technology is becoming increasingly important in everyday life, it can be nice to step back and relax for a while.
Digital overdose
Too much time online can lead to a whole list of negative things. It can lead to problems with self-image and low self-esteem. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Spending too much time online can lead to weight gain, sedentary lifestyle, lack of time management, and even work ethic issues. People who build apps want you to spend their time on their apps. So they make it to where you want to check your phone. The average time someone spends on TikTok is 90 minutes per time they use the app. The scrolling or swiping you do in certain apps sends a spike of dopamine to the same areas in your brain that respond to addictive and dangerous drugs like cocaine.
How do you know if you need a digital detox?
There are some red flags to watch out for. One is if you’ve ever had anxiety or stress when you can’t find your phone. Another sign is when you are forced to check your phone within minutes of checking. It can also make you fearful of missing out on something if you don’t immediately review a post, story, or video. If you feel depressed, anxious, or sad after visiting social media, it may be time for a detox. If you focus too much on how many “likes” you get on social media apps, it can also be a sign that you can benefit from a digital detox. Other signs include staying up late or getting up early to make a call, or having trouble concentrating when you can’t check your phone.
Benefits of digital detox
So now you know if you need a digital detox, but why would you want it? There are many benefits for people using digital detox. One of them is improving their mental health. Digital detox can also help you live in the moment and connect with friends and family around you. It can help you relieve stress caused by your technology. You will also improve your sleep. For some people, digital detox can help develop a healthy work-life balance. It can be so easy to compare yourself to strangers with social media. Digital detoxing can help you focus on your own life without comparing yourself to strangers. It can also help ease the fear of missing out on what other people are doing on the internet. Digital detox can also help increase your productivity. It can be so easy to mindlessly scroll for hours without realizing how quickly time flies.
Getting started with a digital detox
When you start your digital detox you should be reasonable about what you are trying to accomplish. Completely no technology may not be feasible. So don’t be prepared for failure right away. Pay attention to how and when you are with your phone. When you pick up your phone, ask yourself why you jump into it: is it mindlessly scrolling? To check if someone posted something on social media? Or do you really need to call or text a friend to check in with them.
Set time limits. This can mean no technology is turned off during dinner, bedtime, if you have a hobby, or out with friends or family. Start small and one day take a 15-minute break with no technology, and as the days progress, increase your time. If you’re having trouble just setting time limits, set location limits too. This may mean leaving your phone in a different room during dinner. Or no telephones at all at the dining table. Some families have a room that is only for toys or board games with no TVs or other electronic devices. When out with friends, keep your phone in your purse or jacket pocket so you are not tempted to look at it.
Find out which apps are toxic to you. Toxic means that they make you feel sad, anxious, or stressed after you put them on. This could be a social media site, or even after scrolling through a news site. Assess how you are feeling after using each app so you know what needs to be trimmed or left out in good time. If someone you follow on social media makes you angry or feels stressed, stop following them or block them. Remove yourself from seeing their feeds and posts. You can also turn off push notifications for certain apps. This will prevent your phone from buzzing or flashing when someone posts something new. You won’t be tempted to immediately see that your phone isn’t buzzing every time a notification is triggered.
There are apps you can download to keep track of your usage. If you do decide to go for a detox, tell your close friends and family so they won’t worry if you don’t respond. Telling others can also help hold you accountable and let others know to try not to harass you during this time. During your early detox periods, keep yourself busy so you don’t dwell on not having your phone or crave to check what’s going on. Technology-free family time is also important. When you go outside with your family or sit together and play a board game, you can all be in the present and connect.
Learning when the time is right to step away from your technology and reconnect with the moment is important for everyone. Knowing how to get away from your technology and phones can help you improve your mental and physical health, and help your body become less dependent on the internet and devices.
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When you go outside with your family or sit together and play a board game, you can all be in the present and connect.
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Reference: www.healthstatus.com
