Digital detox is taking a voluntary break from using electronic devices and social media for a period of time ranging from at least 72 hours. It involves refraining from playing video games, scrolling social media, watching TV and using smartphones. Usually, people refrain from using social media platforms as they are probably the most toxic.
On a normal day your smartphone alarm wakes you up in the morning. You get ready with the TV news on and then scan your text messages. You check email, chat with friends, and scroll through Facebook and Instagram during the day. In the evening, you watch your favorite TV shows while online shopping and checking in on social media. And, at bedtime, you use smartphone apps for meditation or white noise.
BENEFITS.
Taking a break from technology not only frees up time, but has mental health benefits and it helps improve your sleep, relationships and mood. Digital detox helps you to be more focused and concentrate on your immediate surroundings. It helps you become more productive and improves time management. It helps people to maintain a healthy balance between digital relationships and activities in real life.
Digital detox helps create stronger bonds and relations with friends and family for creates more opportunities to pay attention to those around you. You can actually have quality time to spend with your kids with no distractions and also your spouse. You can be able to build strong and stable relationships.
Stress reduction is another benefit of taking some time off your electronic gadgets. A lot is said and is reported to have happened and this can be upsetting. Some people are victims of cyberbullying and this is detrimental to ones’ health. Negative social media experiences can trigger anxiety and depression and affect self-esteem.
SIGNS YOU NEED TO DIGITAL DETOX.
Anxiety
Depressed mood
Feeling insecure
Anger
Self-comparisons
Low self-esteem
Loss of sleep
Loss of interest in face-to-face social interactions
HOW TO DO IT.
- Delete all social media apps from your phone
- Turn off push notifications.
- Leave your phone in your pocket or keep it out of sight for meetings/get-togethers/conversations/meals involving other people.
- Keep your phone out of sight during your commute.
- Don’t take your phone with you into the bathroom or toilet.