Digital detox? Do these words sound familiar to you? Are you aware of this concept? How exactly they work? The idea of a digital detox might be common to you, a detox where you give up all your digital gadgets for a specific amount of time. Loads of people sing the praises of this new, modern kind of detox. But how aware are you of what a digital detox truly does for your mind and body?
So, scroll down to know what digital detox is all about and what happens to our body when you give up your electronic devices.
What is a Digital Detox?
Detox is a concept borrowed from the holistic healing practice. The notion of detox or fast has long been around here for a long time.
Detox or more aptly, detoxification is the mechanism by which the body rids itself of the stuff that’s no longer required or harmful. This is a natural procedure. Yet detoxification often demands some space and time to work. A purposeful detox is a chance for your natural resiliency to regenerate and replenish your body, mind, and soul.
A digital detox, known as a content fast, media fast, or technology detox, will aid in bringing your body, spirit, and mind back into balance. It is the purposeful procedure of conditional or absolute abstinence from all or some of the technology in your life for a certain period of time in order to restore balance. Consequently, overall well-being.
Possible Determinants of Overuse of Electronic Devices:
- Sleep disorders
- Mental Health issues
- Physical Health problems
- Vision Issues
- Cognitive Skills Development
- Academic Problems and Learning Challenges
Benefits Of Reducing Screen time/Digital Detoxing
Have you ever felt a bit anxious when you were apart from your phone? Do You know how much time you spend in a day on your digital gadgets? All of these are essential concerns. And another to consider: does it feel like a smart thing for your wellbeing to conduct a digital detox?
Check these possible benefits if you are curious about how to minimize time on your phone.
Less Comparison
Do you ever find like your life isn’t measuring up after signing into your social media pages? Most of us end up wondering why everybody else is on such an outstanding break, looks so amazing, and has such beautiful kids.
However, our mental health can be influenced dramatically by the combined impact of “comparisonitis.” A correlation between the internet and mental health issues disorders such as anxiety and depression are reported in several studies.
Better Mental Health with Digital Detox
Do you use a mobile phone to prevent social interactions? We use our phones sometimes like security blankets, but these practices will only intensify our fears. Unfortunately, we might be more likely to head to the online world when we are nervous or sad, increasing anxiety and depression.
More time spent on digital gadgets can also affect our minds and wellbeing. One research specified that people on their mobile are less likely to consume daily food, don’t follow a balanced diet, and don’t sleep well, causing a higher risk of depression and other health problems.
Improved Brain Function
Even more concerning is the physical impact of screen time on our brain. Indeed, the time spent on electronic devices will change our brain structure. The effects show impaired processing, decreased focal duration, and “dopamine loops,” – the strike from the feel-good chemical dopamine. After all, who doesn’t get a little satisfaction if someone likes her Instagram message? Offline lives lack this kind of immediate gratification. Indeed, researchers have discovered that the dopamine cycle associated with web usage and video games is alike to that experienced through drug addiction.
More Restful Sleep
Melatonin output is affected by blue light from our optical screens. The outcome? Challenging to go down to sleep. More difficulty is likely with exposure to blue light at night and an elevated risk of diabetes, cancer, and depression.
Better Posture
Since spending a long time on your mobile, you might have developed a “tech neck,” or a sore thumb. Researchers also note that breathing is impaired by the slumping position formed by digital technology. One research study showed that 83% of people suffering from neck pain have changed breathing habits.
5 Tips For Your Digital Detox
Are you ready for a digital detox? Below are handy tips that can help with a digital detox retreat.
Try making your bedroom a cell phone-free zone.
If you don’t own a landline and you’re afraid your loved ones won’t be able to stay in contact with you in an emergency (for example, if you have teenage kids that work late at night), place it on the other side of the room, with the volume turned up and loud enough for you to hear. Just face it down so that your night isn’t disturbed by any alerts.
Pick your activities wisely for digital detoxing
You will find places where mobile phones cannot be used even in today’s world. You cannot check your Facebook updates while swimming, camping, doing yoga, forest bathing, or watching a movie. And you can end up having some more fun.
Reschedule your email habits to reinforce your digital detox
Many busy executives seek to set aside particular times of the day to review email, which means that they don’t search for new notifications every 30 seconds or read every update. If this makes you feel nervous, note that emails don’t need an urgent response in most cases. Start having an Off-Office approach to let people know how to get in touch with you in an emergency.
Use technology
Yeah, the idea of technology helping to minimize the use of technology sounds ironic. However, the time you spent on your phone can be calculated by multiple apps and programs. If you don’t do this, try to track it and get a snapshot of your usage for a few days.
Get your friends and family on board
If you have friends who demand an instant response to each text, let them know that on-screen time you’re calling back. Similarly, if you’re out for a social gathering like a meal at a pub, recommend that everybody put away their phones. Put the situations there like whoever the first person to get their device touch has to pay for dinner!
Listen to your body during digital detox
How do you feel without technology in only a few hours? Get in touch with the discomfort you feel that needs to be handled. And it is necessary to witness the positives ones, too. Know more about the world around you.
Get Help If You Need It!!
If you feel you are too addicted to technology and your electronic gadgets and need expert assistance, then feel free to seek professional assistance.