Doom scrolling has become more and more prevalent lately (thanks to TikTok and Reels). And with that, comes feelings of fatigue, exhaustion and, well, a touch of depression. A digital detox may be the very thing you need to step back, unplug and touch the grass.
Pexels
But what exactly is a digital detox?
Simply, a digital detox is a temporary break from all your digital devices. From your phone and tablets to your laptop, and in some cases, your TV. The purpose of this “tech timeout” is to help you recharge your brain and reconnect with the world.
Why taking a tech time out is important
While it seems simple enough, you might be surprised at how dependent on our devices we’ve become. From scrolling on social media at night, or having the TV on while getting ready for a night out (I’m guilty of both). You’d be surprised how much your mind craves the constant input of “passive” information.
While it might seem harmless, the constant reliance on technology can have its downfalls. For example, a rise in depression, anxiety, and the development of nomophobia – the fear of being without your phone.
Taking a break from your phone can have a multitude of benefits and it might be worth ditching the phone (and your other devices for a day or two).
Pexels
The benefits of a digital detox
Taking a break from all your devices can help with several things, from improved mood to better focus.
- Reduced stress: Constant notifications and information overload can leave you feeling like a hamster on a caffeine-fuelled wheel. A detox helps you hit the pause button and calm those mental jitters.
- Improved sleep: Scrolling through bright screens before bed disrupts your sleep cycle, leaving you feeling like a zombie the next day. Ditching the devices before bedtime can lead to sweeter dreams and a more energised one.
ALSO SEE: What is sleep hygiene and how can it help you get a great night’s sleep?
- Boosted focus: A detox can help you regain your focus and tackle tasks with laser-sharp concentration.
- Stronger relationships: Face-to-face interactions are the lifeblood of meaningful connections. A detox encourages you to put down the phone and connect with the people who matter most, in the real world, not through emojis and filters.
- Rediscovering the joy of the present moment: A detox helps you appreciate the simple pleasures of life that often get drowned out by digital noise.
Ready to ditch your device?
You might find it challenging to go without your phone or other devices. As surprising as it seems, going in with these tips can help you get started.
- Start small: Don’t go cold turkey! Begin with shorter phone-free periods and gradually increase the duration. For example, go one day without your phone for a week or two, then move it up to two days a week for a bit, and so on.
- Find an accountability buddy: Ask a friend or family member to join you on your detox journey for support and encouragement.
- Fill the void with fun activities: Explore hobbies, spend time in nature, or reconnect with loved ones – fill the time you’d usually spend online with activities that nourish your soul.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Pexels
