Social media and the internet can be very addictive, which is why a digital detox is necessary. But, it can also have its advantages. Think of the past few years we’ve had. Everyone stayed connected through social media, and everything was pretty much done online.
Even if you rely on the internet and social media for your business (maybe you’re an influencer), having a digital detox is still a good idea. Getting addicted to your phone is easy, so having a digital detox will help curb that addiction.
So, what is a digital detox?
Think of a digital detox like you would any other detox. Block out a specific time frame during your day to get away from anything digital. You can always make up your own rules for your digital detox approach.
You can quit cold turkey and not use your phone, laptop, or whatever else you may have, or you can start a little softer, like not using social media.
However you decide to digital detox, it’s important to remember why you want to do it.
Why should you have a digital detox?
Digital devices have their pros and cons. They can increase your efficiency, are convenient, and help with communication. But spending too much time online means less time with families. As a result, your relationships can suffer.
It allows you to have a more productive day.
Let’s face it. We’ve all had days where we find ourselves scrolling aimlessly through Instagram or TikTok, wasting so much time. During that time, we could be getting our tasks done. A digital detox encourages you to have a more productive day and get your stuff done.
You struggle to focus.
Do you find yourself getting distracted easily? Can you get work done in 30 minutes without looking at your phone? If not, it’s time to get your phone away from you. Put your phone in another room of your house; that way, you’d have to get up and get your phone. Or if you’re at an office, lock your phone in a drawer or put it in your purse.
You’ll be less stressed.
Your phone, especially social media, can be a major stress trigger. Seeing everyone’s highlight reels makes it easy to compare yourself and feel like your life is falling short. This kind of comparison can really stress you out, making you think you need to do more or be more, which isn’t realistic. It’s no surprise that social media can mess with our mental health. Ever thought about a digital detox to give yourself a break?
Less screen time = more sleep.
Using your phone before bed can lead to insomnia or sleep deprivation. According to a study done, approximately 64% of young people sleep with their phones next to their beds.
Your smartphone, tablet, TV, and laptop all emit a blue light, which is said to be the brightest and shortest wavelength. This affects the production of melatonin, and as a result, your brain feels more energized. This confuses your brain, hence the lack of sleep.
What should you do instead?
Deciding what to do during your digital detox is entirely up to you. It can depend on your individual hobbies and interests. Yes, there’s a lot you can do online. But there are also a lot of things you can do off-screen
I hope this post has encouraged you to put your phone down for a while and enjoy real life.
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