What is Digital Detox:
Digital Detox can be defined as the period during which a person refrains from using digital or electronic devices to break the pattern of excessive or compulsive use. Detoxing from digital devices can be a helpful way to focus on face-to-face social interactions, mindfulness, prompting a healthy work-life balance.
Impact of digital overload on mental well-being:
Awareness and understanding of mental health have grown significantly in recent years but the phenomenon of mental health is not new. Nowadays, the focus and recognition of mental health is more critical than ever. WHO describes mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn, and work well, and contribute to their community. In today’s digital era where people are connected globally and virtually, an increase in loneliness and alienation is also evident. In this blog post, we will explore how digital detoxing will be valuable for us in reducing stress and managing different mental health issues.
There is no doubt that technology has revolutionised our ways of connecting with the outer world, but it has also contributed to causing stress and discomfort. The constant connectivity and the urge to check your phones, emails, and social media accounts repeatedly have lessened face-to-face interactions leading to the feelings of desolation and isolation.
Studies also suggest that excessive screen time, particularly before bedtime, can lead to increased risk of sleep disturbances. Similarly, engaging in captivating content late at night can delay sleep and leads to a disrupted sleep cycle. When our brain is tired, it encourages the production of melatonin, and excessive screen time disturbs melatonin, resulting in more fragmented sleep.
Social media platforms also create false sense of connection and comparison by presenting idolised versions of other’s lives. Spending time on social media we find ourselves comparing our lives with our friends, family, influencers, and celebrities which may lead to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Benefits of a Digital Detox:
In this digital world, digital detox can positively affect our mental health and life. Limiting screen time can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing better sleep, and increase productivity and creativity. Unplugging from social media also provides us with more opportunities to get connected to people around us. It gives you a way to evaluate our relationships with family and friends.
When do we need a digital detox?
When we feel anxious and stressed if we cannot find your phone.
When we find ourselves staying up late using digital devices.
When we need to check our phone every few minutes.
When after spending time on social media, we feel depressed and anxious.
When we are afraid of missing things if we are not checking your phone.
How to implement a digital detox:
If our relationship with devices is interfering with our real-life relationships, it may be a sign to sit back and rethink our life priorities. Here are a few steps that we can take to take control and reclaim mental clarity with a digital detox. First, be realistic in setting goals; some people may feel refreshed doing a full detox but for some being completely disconnected might not be possible. While going for a complete detox is not possible, setting boundaries and limits can really help us in our mental well-being.
Setting daily limits on social media apps and limiting digital device usage during the day, for example while having meals, before going to bed and waking up, and, during our time with friends and family.
Another key step would be the support of friends and family, letting them know that we are on a digital detox and asking for their help can be a great support. Lastly, filling free time with engaging activities and hobbies such as reading, painting, gardening, exercising, and mindfulness practices like meditating can also reduce stress and enhance focus.
Conclusion:
It might be a challenging task to go device-free and disconnect from the digital world. A life without mobile phones may cause anxiety, stress, and annoy us at times. It may seem a hard decision, but it can bring you reward in helping you to be more mindful and encourage mental well-being. Every small step towards the reduction of your digital dependency will bring you closer towards a healthier and balanced life. Keep going and celebrate every small step you take to reclaim your peace of mind.
This is a great read, very well-written!
It helped alot
Very well written