There are three statements—two of them are correct, and one is not. Can you guess which?
- Forty percent of adults check their phones within the first five minutes of waking up, and this spikes to 65% for those under the age of 35.
- A 2016 study revealed that the average person taps, swipes, or clicks on their device 2,617 times each day.
- Research has shown that compulsive texters among teenagers exhibit striking similarities to compulsive gamblers.
Surprisingly, they’re all true! It’s eye-opening, isn’t it?
In a world full of beeping notifications, new posts on social media, and an endless amount of new information, our brains feel attacked. The result? Feeling burned out, losing focus, and always having the feeling of being swamped. This is why people resort to digital detox more and more often to restore their concentration and cognitive functions. Digital detox implies making oneself free from the screen at least for some time, from the smartphone, laptop or TV, and really being present in the moment.
Why Mental Clarity Matters
According to different scholarly findings, this constant interactive usage of the digital devices leaves our brains in a state of over stimulation. Research carried out by neuroscientists has established that information overload can lead to impaired thinking, this is due to the effects of cognitive tiredness that results to impaired ability to concentrate, make decisions and even impaired ability to process information coherently. In other words, we are constantly distracted and this affects our work in the worst possible ways. Digital detoxes enable individuals to clear this mental clutter and create room to heal themselves and sharpen their minds.
The Signs You Need a Digital Detox
How do you know when the time has come to take a break from your gadgets? Here are some telltale signs:
- Brain Fog: Are you ever in a state of mental fog where your brain just seems to be in slow motion? This could be an indication that your brain is congested by the flow of information throughout the day.
- Irritability: Well, have you ever wondered why you feel so irritable and cranky after spending time on social media or going through your emails? This frequently is a manifestation of a state of increased signal pick up.
- The Urge to Check: If you are absolutely glued to your phone and checking it even in the absence of notifications or feel like you’re getting notifications even when you’re not, then it is high time you considered a break in use of technology.
Here’s a quick self-assessment quiz you can consider to see if you’re overdue for a detox:
- Have you ever taken your phone and started scrolling through it as soon as you woke up from bed?
- Do you get worried or fidgety without the device or the connectivity or the ability to get on the Internet?
- When you are at work, do you often find yourself getting distracted by notifications?
- Do you find yourself using social networks more than you would like to?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, it might be time to consider a digital detox.
The Mental Benefits of Disconnecting
Disconnecting from your gadgets is not only about limiting the amount of time spent in front of the screens, it is also about giving your mind a break. It is often viewed that time away from digital devices can lead to greater concentrations, better memory retention, as well as stimulate creativity. Fun indeed, a research study conducted and published in Psychiatry Research states that people who took frequent digital detoxes experienced reduced stress levels as well as boosted cognition.
It is therefore important for one to frequently participate in digital detox exercises to experience the long term benefits. Taking a break at least once a week has a great impact on clearing one’s head, enhancing concentration, increasing productivity, and alleviating stress. Apart from clarity of the mind, detoxification is beneficial in enhancing relationships, productivity, and general health.
Many communities are now turning to advocate for digital detox and are urging people to unplug more often. It also advocates for occasional screen-free hours to encourage both physical and mental health. Thus, by encouraging this kind of ‘healthy detachment’ of people from their electronic devices, the community is being built to have a better relationship with technology.
In the current society, juggling between multiple activities is a common occurrence, and thus, switching off screens allows for a break and comes up with creativity to add on the tasks. A clear conscience is way more effective than an occupied one along with all the looming distractions.
How to Start Your Digital Detox Journey
The concept of detachment can seem impossible, especially when you rely pretty heavily on technology in your work or personal life. But you don’t have to go cold turkey in order to witness the advantages. Instead, take a gradual approach:
- Start Small: Start with a few hours without screens during some parts of the day, for example right when you wake up in the morning or in the evening.
- Set Boundaries: Set up screen-free zones in your house, for example, in the bedroom, at the dining table, and try to adhere to them.
- Time Limits: Set daily usage time targets for unnecessary applications using such features as “Screen Time” or “Digital Wellbeing. ”
It’s all about balance. It is not necessary to become an alien to all computer-related activities but it is recommended to take breaks here and there.
Finding Mental Clarity through Mindful Disconnection
Overall, a digital detox is best accompanied by other activities that are known to support focus and a clear mind. Rather than replacing your screen time with passive activities like binge-watching TV, focus on habits that engage your mind in meaningful ways:
- Journaling: When you sit down and start writing, you’re able to unplug mentally and clear your mind without distractions from notifications.
- Meditation: Mindfulness exercises help in management of stress, improving attention span and increasing awareness. Try simple meditation techniques like breathing exercises or guided meditation.
- Nature Walks: Engaging in brief outdoor activities also helps in decreasing stress levels as well as increase the focus level.
This concept is well captured as digital mindfulness, that is, being deliberate about how and when one uses technology and it does not harm the person.
Conclusion
“As the globe slowly turns into a chaotic digital carnival, the greatest thing you can do for yourself is to unplug.”
Contrary to what you thought, a digital detox does not necessarily mean making huge changes, starting with baby steps can reap big results in boosting your mental health.
Take the challenge: why not give a mini digital detox a go this week?, and witness how a short amount of time of conscious and intentional break away from technology can make you feel renewed, alert to your surroundings and the world around you.
