The world we live in today is absolutely driven by technology- we can’t live without it. And while it makes our lives easier, I think it’s valid that we question just how important it is to take a step back from it every now and then.
We are constantly bombarded by some form of it whether that be from our phones, laptops or television, have you ever actually had a think about how many hours a day you spend staring at a screen? If it’s not your work computer it’s your smartphone, if it’s not your smartphone it’s your Netflix account, it is almost impossible to escape the screen… Let’s just take a step back and think about the evident effects this can have on your health and wellbeing.
Here are some of the few reasons why unplugging yourself from your tech can have awesome benefits on both your body and your mind:
You’ll be more productive
I think we all know how easy it is to get distracted and spend hours aimlessly scrolling through Instagram. Social media has an immense power to take your brain away from the now, interrupts your thought processes and almost encourages you not to think. Taking a break from technology won’t only help you to be more focused on the task in hand, accomplish more in less time and be more present in the moment, but it will really make you aware of just how much time one is able to waste on tech.
Promotes better sleep
You may have heard this once or twice, but the artificial light generated from our gadgets actually tricks the body into thinking we are more awake than we are. The blue-ish glare prevents out melatonin hormone from being released, which is probably the reason you’re tossing and turning after lights out. It is highly recommended that in order to improve sleep and sleep quality we must vastly reduce our screen time from two hours before bed. Most devices have a ‘night mode’ setting these days – use it! It depletes the light exposure to the eye, and although it can still have implications on our sleep it can really help us get that much needed shut-eye.
A calmer and content you
Indulging in anything too much can be bad for you- and this doesn’t exclude technology. If you’re in high demand every day on your phone, tablet or laptop with constant buzzes and beeps and push notifications, you really are not living in the present. Research has shown a strong correlation between tech usage and anxiety levels. People are often surprised to find themselves feeling less stressed and happier after taking a much-needed break from the screens.
Connect with those around you
When you put your phone down and avoid the habit of constantly checking it, it allows time to concentrate on things you really enjoy. Instead of sitting indoors on a rampant Instagram binge, why not go ahead and book a dinner with your closest friends? Or even just spark up a conversation with someone on your commute home, you might just learn something new or even spark up a new beautiful friendship. Having real conversations with others will make you feel more connected to the world around you and you’d be surprised how positive that effect can be on your health.
Give your hard-working brain a break- cut the poor thing some slack! It’s constantly working, ticking over day in and day out. Taking a break to recharge and relax will keep your brain happy and healthy. Once you digital detox once, we guarantee that you’ll crave it again. It feels so rewarding to retract yourself from the busy, manic world around us and reconnect with your surroundings- get back to basics, we promise you won’t regret it.
If you’re looking for a tool to help you monitor your tech/social media use, we recommend you download an app called Moment. It tracks just how much time you’re on your phone and lets you know which apps you’re on the most. It can be eye-opening to see just how many hours, it’s certainly helped us to make a conscious effort to say no to opening Instagram for the 12th time that day.
