Have you ever wondered if you could survive without social media and emails? If the answer is no or if the prospect seems scary, you might need a digital detox more than you think. Technology drives the world today. Phones constantly buzz with calls and chat notifications from friends, family, colleagues, and strangers. People also look forward to social media updates to keep up with the lives of strangers online. Unfortunately, all of these can cause you to lose touch with who you are. Thus, unplugging becomes necessary so you can regain your identity.
When You Need a Digital Detox
It’s easy to get carried away by the constant pull of the digital world. People have become accustomed to playing games, checking chats and emails, and watching videos online. Unfortunately, many have become addicted to social media and being online. According to the Addiction Center, between 5 and 10% of Americans are addicted to social media. The average user also checks their phone about 150 times in 16 hours. This has serious consequences. You may need to unplug when you start feeling lost without your gadgets.
You also need a digital detox when you observe that you are depressed after being online. Moreover, if you feel compelled to check your phone every time or fear you are missing out, you need a digital detox. Other signs include erratic sleep patterns, poor concentration, and preoccupation with likes and comments. Unplugging in times like this will help rest your mental health and mood. This way, you can recover your energy and make your life better. Here are some ways unplugging helps your mood.
Boost Your Mental State
When you check your phone frequently or stay online chronically, you will have little time to think critically and generate ideas. Moreover, you may constantly compare yourself with others. However, by unplugging, you can give your brain time to recover, which can help you develop creative ideas and boost your mood. You will also be less likely to compare yourself with others, making you feel better.
Experience Calm
Studies have shown that staying online or using your phone chronically can lead to depression and anxiety. By unplugging, you can create time for the things you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or gardening. These activities can reduce your stress levels and keep you calm.
Better Sleep
Social media or cell phone addiction can disrupt sleep patterns by delaying the release of melatonin. Melatonin helps you relax and sleep, but its production is hampered when you use your phone at bedtime. This can make you tired and irritable. Unplugging can help your body regulate the production of this hormone and improve your sleep quality.
Better Decisions
When you embark on a digital detox, you will have more alone time. During this period, you can evaluate your choices and feelings. This will help you examine your decisions and make the right choices. You will also be more self-aware and grounded. This will, in turn, allow you to feel better about yourself and increase your confidence.
Deeper Connections
If you are constantly on your phone, you are less likely to form meaningful connections with your loved ones. It is common to see friends and family members together but not talking. You can have deep and intimate conversations with your friends and loved ones when you put down the phone. This way, you can form a close and meaningful bond with them. Consequently, you will have a strong support network.
Higher Productivity
Scrolling can make you oblivious to time, thus wasting your productive hours. You may plan to spend only a few minutes but end up spending hours checking people’s media or chatting. You can work on more productive activities by unplugging from the endless pull of the online world and your phone. This way, you will avoid the guilt of realizing you wasted time on your phone.
Conclusion
It is important to find a balance in today’s technology-driven world. Start slowly as you begin your digital detox journey. You can set out certain hours or days to stay offline. You can also turn off notifications so you’re not constantly drawn to your phone. By following these steps and unplugging, you will improve your mental and physical state.
#Clique, do you want to unplug? Are these tips helpful? What other helpful advice do you think will help those who want to undergo this journey? Let us know in the comments.