What is Digital Detox?
If you ever find yourself believing that you are overly dependent on technology, or occasionally think that you couldn’t live without some technological device, perhaps a digital detox is what you need.
Digital detox is a process that many individuals turn to in order to abstain from using their electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, televisions, and more. The primary objective is to reconnect with the physical world and engage with the surroundings.
It’s essential to acknowledge that the electronic devices that currently facilitate our lives are not inherently bad; however, as with everything, excess can lead to consequences.
In the field of medicine, a pathology related to excessive technology use has already been diagnosed: Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). It is considered a disorder characterized by the abusive use of the Internet through the aforementioned devices. This condition is just one of the many currently addressed in the healthcare sector.
What are the potential consequences for my body due to technology abuse?
Several studies have revealed that excessive technology use directly affects health, and some users have experienced:
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Loss of pleasure in daily activities
- Anxiety
- Sedentary behavior
- Overweight and obesity
- Sleep disorders
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Development of brain tumors
- Eye strain
- Phobias, such as nomophobia, which is the fear of not having the cellphone at hand.
Benefits of Digital Detox
If you feel that it’s a good time to momentarily disconnect from technology, you should know that this decision will bring you many benefits, including:
- Improved focus, less distraction
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Greater tranquility and self-balance
- Significant improvement in decision-making
- Enhanced sleep
- Increased productivity and concentration
- Greater appreciation of our surroundings, especially nature
To experience these advantages, there must be a complete willingness, as it won’t be easy to shake off that sense of control over our lives, which we have been nurturing for years.
Experts suggest being dedicated and committed during the chosen period of abstaining from technology. This detox doesn’t have to last for years to see the listed results; in just one week, they can be achieved, provided the focus is maintained.
How to achieve a digital detox?
The first thing you need to do is determine the duration for which you’ll be away from any device connecting you to the cyber world. The duration is your choice; there are no specific rules, but it is recommended to start with a week to get accustomed.
Although it may seem simple, it involves significant effort because in daily life, we are accustomed to having our phones close and responding immediately. During these seven days, you can practice to gradually extend your detox sessions in the future.
What is the purpose of my digital detox?
Secondly, remember that to start solving a problem, you must first acknowledge that you have one. If you genuinely believe that your technology consumption is getting out of control and have admitted it, ask yourself: What do I want to do during this time? Do I want to work on a project that doesn’t involve digital devices? Do I want to relieve stress? Enjoy nature or finish reading a book?
Once you know what you want to do during these days, you can proceed to the third point.
Configuration of Your Devices
Those who have already gone through the digital detox process recommend making some adjustments to your smartphone settings, such as disabling notifications that might tempt you to click. Only important notifications should be kept active.
You could also choose specific ringtones so that you know what is important and what is not when your phone rings. This way, you can differentiate whether it’s a message in certain WhatsApp groups, emails, or any of the social media platforms you use.
It is also crucial to inform the people closest to you that you will be somewhat absent to avoid concerns or misunderstandings. If you work, it would be a good idea to use your vacation time to undertake this exercise and avoid performance issues.
Set Some Usage Rules
It is practically impossible to stay completely away from technology, but its use can be significantly reduced. Therefore, if you decide not to turn off your devices completely, you should establish times when you can use them. For example, one of those rules could be not reaching for your phone as soon as you wake up, not using it during meals, or refraining from its use after a certain hour at night.
Conclusions on Digital Detox
Certainly, we cannot completely detach ourselves from technology because, for educational, work, or social reasons, we are “bound” to it. However, from time to time, it is good to reduce stress to refocus and appreciate what truly matters.
Not losing sight of the real world will keep us human and aware of our surroundings, which is ultimately what matters. So, are you ready to embark on a detox?
Check out: Detox With Kefir