Digital Detox: Unplug in a Connected World

Digital detox is the need of the hour ever since the digital media revolution took the world by storm. We all have become hardcore slaves to technology in such a way that none can imagine life without it. This is true to a very good but limited extent.

The world is becoming more and more digital at an increasingly fast pace, due to which we’re constantly plagued with messages, emails, notifications, and social media promotions and updates. Mobile phones go off constantly with each passing minute, due to which many even turn the notification alert off.

Even though the technological advancements have their benefits, they have led to people becoming overreliant and absolutely dependent upon their gadgets. Google has become the ultimate go-to search engine to gather information and knowledge, where everything is taken as the gospel truth.

This over-reliance can and has led to distress, anxiety, and total disconnection from the real world. The concept of “digital detox” comes into the picture due to this serious problem threatening to engulf mankind where the physical and mental well-being of the people is at stake.

A digital detox is basically taking intentional breaks from screens and devices of the virtual world to reconnect with yourself, others, and the real world. There are enormous benefits that you can avail yourself of by successfully unplugging yourself from the virtual world.

Need for Digital Detox

Improvement in Mental Health

Constantly being in front of the screen can cause immense mental stress due to the mind being crammed with so much information, leading to stress and anxiety. Allow the mind to rest by taking regular breaks from the screen; that’ll help increase focus, mitigate stress, and enhance your overall well-being.

A major remedy towards sound mental health in such trying times, detoxifying your mind & body from online addictions can fertilize your mind in a big way, which will give rise to flourishing ideas for the betterment of yourself and society.

Improvement in Sleep Quality

People that constantly fiddle with their mobile phones throughout the night have little idea that the blue light emanating from the screen can negatively impact their sleep cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep and unable to sleep soundly for 7-8 hours.

To improve your sleep quality, staying away from devices a few hours prior to bedtime can improve sleep where you feel refreshed and energized in the morning. Steer clear of your mobile phone or laptop at least 2 hours before sleep.

Productivity Enhancement

As mentioned above, constant notifications on your mobile from social media can hamper your focus and concentration. In order to protect yourself from addictions and distractions, keep away from your phone and laptop for a few hours to regain your attention span, which leads to more efficiency and productivity in your tasks.

Improvement in Relationship with Loved Ones

Technology is a major reason for creating barriers between you and your loved ones. By keeping your distance from your devices for a few hours, make some time out for them by engaging in face-to-face interactions that are meaningful, thereby leading to the strengthening of bonds.

Successful Tips to Unplug

Set Clear Boundaries

Create a timetable for each day of the week regarding your work and offline duties. Set a daily screen time limit on when you’ll not use your phone, like during meals. Utilize this time with friends and family as they can support you in your efforts for digital detoxification.

Engage in Extracurricular Activities

Remember the times when you used to go out and play cricket with your friends during childhood? This time, go for hobbies and activities that don’t require the use of a mobile phone or computer screen, like reading, painting, cooking, gardening, hiking, etc., that help you reconnect with the physical world and provide a much-needed mental peace.

Make Wise Use of Technology

Digital detox is all about reducing screen time without completely abandoning your devices. Use those apps with limited screen time and turn off the notifications. Utilize only those apps that track usage on a regular basis.

Practice Yoga & Meditation

Incorporate mindful practices into your daily habits, like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, as they’ll help you stay grounded and reduce the constant urge to check your mobile phone or other gadgets, thereby detoxifying your mind & body. Also, adopt a gym culture involving exercises that keep you physically and mentally fit.

Also read: How to Create a Productive Morning Routine That Works

Create a Schedule for Regular Digital Detox

Create your own schedule and set a day each week or weekend each month for a full digital detox and utilize this time for connecting with nature, friends, and some much-needed solitude because you need to spend considerable time with yourself as well.

Final Thoughts

By implementing the aforementioned practices into your daily routine, you can avail yourself of the benefits of technology without allowing it to control your life through your mind, both physically and mentally. Start small, be consistent, and you’ll soon find yourself feeling more present, relaxed, and in tune with the world around you.