Digital detox means a period when a person abstains from the use of tech gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, televisions, including social media use. This action is also perceived as a means of focusing on real social relations with people without interruptions. If you avoid using digital gadgets temporarily, you can free your mind from the mental distress that arises from their continuous use.
Frequent Device Use Linked to Mental Health Issues
Research published in the Child Development journal discovered that daily use of technology was linked with an increased risk for mental health issues among young adults. Additionally, more time spent with digital technologies increased ADHD symptoms and behavior disorder, and also worse self-regulation.
Furthermore, according to research published by the University of Pennsylvania, limiting the use of popular social media apps reduced symptoms of loneliness and depression.
The following are signs that indicate you might need to perform a digital detox:
- Feeling stressed out or anxious if you can’t find or use your phone after sometime
- You get depressed and angry after spending time on social media especially after a disappointment
- You worry that you will miss something crucial if you fail to check your device frequently
- Always compelled to checkup your phone after a few minutes
- Constantly finding yourself waking up early or staying late to access your device to play games or being online
- You have trouble focusing on one activity without the desire to check your phone regularly
Reasons Why You Should Do Digital Detox
There are various reasons why you should spare some time away from your smartphone or other devices. For instance, you might realize that using your device more often creates excessive stress in your life.
At times, you might even feel like you have become addicted to your devices. Although experts do not formally recognize technology addiction as a disorder, they believe those overusing devices represent an authentic behavioral addiction that can cause psychological and social issues.
Doing a digital detox does not necessarily involve separating yourself from tech devices completely. However, you should also keep in mind that isolating yourself from devices can produce significant improvement in your mental well-being. Usually, the process involves setting limitations and ensuring that you use gadgets in a beneficial way rather than harming your mental and physical health.
How to Do a Digital Detox
Some simple steps of performing a digital detox include:
- Turning off push notifications from your device
- Setting limits on when your digital devices can interfere with your time
- Delegating some specific free time to use your devices and adhering to the rule
- Ensuring your bedroom doesn’t have multiple tech devices. If you use your phone at night, you can consider switching it off
- Keeping your devices away when taking meals
- Ensuring you download only the necessary apps
Final Words from the Recover
Refraining from tech devices sometimes feels uncomfortable and demanding, especially if you have developed routine device use for years. While it may be challenging to abstain from your devices, you can try and do so occasionally. Eventually, you will realize how refreshing it is to your mind, which is also one aspect of excellent mental health.
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