So, at least once in our life, we have done a detox for our bodies.
Maybe it was because we were fasting or trying to cleanse our bodies from any toxins that had caused any harm.
But have you ever done a Digital Detox?
A detox where you refrain from using any of your digital devices.
Sounds new, but this has been a worrying matter in recent times, where we are surrounded by all these devices that it's really hard to imagine life without them.
Being so used to our smartphones, laptops and tablets, we forget to take a break from it.
When you think about it, you realise how much time in a day just goes by staring and scrolling on your phone.
It's an addiction.
If I tell you right now you cannot touch your phone for an hour, you started to panic, didn't you?
Exactly why you need a detox from your screens!
How to do Digital Detox
In order for a digital detox to really work we need to find out why we use our phones in the first place.
These can be due to many reasons.
To notice this, check when you use your phone, is it regarding work, is it related to social media, where you spend endless time just scrolling, watching videos that do not benefit you in any way.
Or is it just some urgent matter that can be sorted under 5 minutes but drags on because you got distracted all due to other things on our phone.
Now that you realise where you spend most of your time on your devices, you are ready to give yourself a break.
You do not have to go long hours in order to do it but you can start slowly for 10 to 15 mins, then increase it to 30 to 45 minutes and so on.
In the start, it is always hard.
But once you start doing it every day your mind will get used to it.
How do I stop being Addicted to my Phone ?
The term NOMOPHOBIA or NO Mobile Phone Phobia is used to describe a psychological condition when people have a fear of being detached from their smartphones.
I'm sure there are many of us out there that have Nomophobia.
But being stuck to your phone has its drawbacks.
A study conducted by Swedish Researchers noticed young adults who were constantly on their phones had health issues related to sleeping, high-stress levels and mental health issues relating to depression and anxiety.
Though there are favourable uses for a phone, it is recommended never to overuse it.
Sometimes the fear of missing out also known as FOMO tends to get the best of us.
And it is okay!
We are humans after all and we have emotions, but leading yourself in a negative direction is not the way to go.
Often times we compare our lives because of our fear of missing out on an event, a vacation or an outing.
FOMO can also result in constantly checking your phone for updates or notifications from texts, posts, and alerts.
Hence a Digital Detox is a must so that you do not disassociate yourself from the real world.
Why Digital Detox is Hard?
In today's world, where technology is used in every aspect of life, it becomes really difficult to imagine life without it.
We use our phones almost most of the time for everyday tasks, be it making a call, texting, taking photos, editing, looking up something online, watching videos and so on.
The list is endless.
It is very hard to start, but it is even harder if you don't start somewhere. You are more productive and motivated to get work done when you spend less time on your digital devices.
Once you start scrolling, posting, editing or watching videos or pictures you tell yourself it will be for 5 minutes but that 5 minutes get converted to 1 hour, 2 hours and you just lose track of time.
Start somewhere so you can get somewhere.
Why is Digital Detox Important
Digital Detox is important, due to the fact that it will make you live a healthier life!
You won't feel tired or lethargic, but you will be motivated to get work done.
You will feel more awake and fresh physically and mentally rather than leaving pending work for later.
You are much less stressed and anxious about the past and future that you would rather live in the present.
You are able to spend more time with your loved ones and friends and are able to just enjoy life.
You are able to get a good night's rest and get a proper 8 to 9 hours of sleep instead of spending time on the phone over time leading to sleep insomnia.
Digital Detox Examples
In simple terms, a digital detox is necessary to stop yourself from creating an addiction to your digital devices. You know you need to do a detox when you feel the following ways-
- You get very anxious and stressed when you are not around or don't have your phone with you.
- You live in the Fear Of Missing Out. This means you keep checking your phone as often as possible to know about what is happening in real-time.
- Your concentration levels are low because you are unable to focus on getting things done.
- You are always on the phone late at night before going to sleep or as soon as you wake up.
- You very often compare yourself with social media, which can affect your mental health.
- You spend endless time scrolling on your phone through apps because of boredom.
How long should you Digital Detox for
There is no limit to starting a digital detox.
It all depends on you.
The goal is to only use these devices when required.
Take breaks while having lunch. Many times you spend more time on the device that you forget about your colleagues or friends.
We need to spend quality time with our loved ones, but we get so caught up in life that sometimes we forget.
Breaks are very important, for our overall well-being.
When you take a break you are giving your body and mind time to reset so you are able to start fresh.
It's very important to protect our eyes from getting strained, as straining them will cause tension in the eye muscles and you may end up with spectacles.
When you are less on your devices you tend to be less anxious.
You don't focus on the past or what will happen in the future but are able to live in the present.
Social Media has a way of making you feel the need to question yourself about what is real and what is fake.
Very often we compare ourselves to the way other people are living their life when we don't even know what hardship they may have had to go through in order to reach that state.
Digital Detox Benefits
A digital detox is beneficial in so many ways! Let's talk about them.
Mental Health
A digital detox most importantly will help take care of your mental health. Your mental health is as important as your physical well-being.
This type of detox will help you become less stressed and anxious by not creating dependence on your phone.
You do not need validation from your phone but only from yourself.
Creating a dependence on digital devices will only cause more problems. You will be happier and have clarity on how you need to live your life.
Self Esteem
Social Media has a way of creating doubt in ourselves because of how much we compare ourselves to someone else's life.
That will not benefit you in any way. You yourself are responsible for your happiness.
This will only cause self-doubt and insecurities. Refrain from falling into such traps.
Try out hobbies which you love doing and you can even find new hobbies to keep yourself engaged and distracted.
Less Strain
A digital detox is also a great way to reduce stress, which can cause eye strain or body pain.
This can sometimes lead to back pain or neck pain.
The blue light emitted from digital devices tends to cause sleep insomnia, anxiety, headaches and higher stress levels.
Taking an intermission can help you relax, give you enough time to think and just reduce unnecessary stress.
Sleeping Well
We have all been there!
Overusing our smartphones beyond our sleeping schedule. It's important to get a proper good night's sleep of 8 to 9 hours minimum!
Your body and mind need that rest in order to function properly. Always leave a gap of 2 hours from using your phone so you are able to sleep well.
Digital Detox Tips
Make sure to take regular breaks when using your digital devices.
Do not use your phone at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Turn off notifications when trying to focus on being productive so you do not get distracted.
You can download apps to track your screen time so you are aware of how much time you spend on your phone and on what applications.
Try spending more time with the people around you.
We tend to get carried away by scrolling and checking what is happening throughout the day, that we forget the people who are with us.
Digital Detox for Students
Students will feel the most affected in doing a digital detox because of how much time they spend time on the phone, doing assignments, having online classes, and spending time on social media.
When you are constantly staring at the phone screen, you disassociate yourself from the real world.
You need to be as active as possible so that things do not pile up and you are able to accomplish your goals.
Constantly staring at your phone screen will not do you any good.
Time gets wasted on distractions such as social media and games, and students then stress out about getting all the work done last minute.
Live in the moment so that you can live your life to the fullest.
Digital detox helps to improve mindfulness and to be more present in every moment to its fullest.
The new term FOMO which is Fear of Missing out is very common among the youth.
The very fact is that a lot of things on social media are not half as what happens in real life.
Individuals tend to compare themselves, which later on leads to stress and depression.
CONCLUSION
Don't fall into the trap of leading yourself into an addiction to your phones.
Yes, we do need digital devices but only to get the necessary goals done.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health, and taking care of it must be a priority.
Live in the present rather than dwelling in the past and stressing about the future.
Social experiments found that individuals were much calm and less anxious and stressed when they weren't using their smartphones.
You will feel better about yourself and be more active in achieving your responsibilities.
Always remember to take regular breaks to give yourself some rest. Refrain from comparing yourself to social media.
Spend more time with your loved ones as much as possible.