In today’s world, a majority of people are connected to their phone at all times. When we’re not looking at the screen of our phone, we’re likely looking at another screen – whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or a TV. Being connected to the digital realm for hours can start to take a toll on our mental health and leave us feeling drained. If you’ve been experiencing an inability to focus, low self-esteem, or an overall lack of motivation, try a digital detox to recharge your mind. The good news is that we don’t have to completely throw away our devices and delete every social media app in order to participate in a digital detox. Small changes make a big difference. In today’s blog, we’re going to dive into the benefits of a digital detox and how it can improve your quality of life: 

Better Sleep 

If you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep, the use of technology at night might be the culprit. The blue light from screens interrupts our circadian rhythm and melatonin production, making it difficult to achieve a good night’s sleep. To solve this, power down all devices at least 30 minutes before bed. Instead of scrolling endlessly and binge watching the newest show, read a book or meditate to unwind before bed. 

Improved Focus

Have you ever been watching a TV show or movie and find yourself continuously checking your phone due to the inability to focus? That’s because we’ve become so accustomed to the motion of scrolling and the consumption of short form content that it can be difficult to focus for long periods of time. You might also find yourself having trouble concentrating at work and accomplishing tasks in a timely manner. Try putting your phone in a separate room (or across the room, at a minimum) during times like these. Without the continuous distraction of your phone buzzing and the urge to check notifications, you’ll soon train your brain to focus for longer and be amazed at how much you have checked off your to-do list. 

Physical & Mental Health Boost 

Technology has an impact on both our physical and mental health. Mentally, we might compare ourselves to others on social media and develop feelings of inadequacy because of it. If you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to those you see online and leave your scroll session feeling down, consider logging out of social media for a few days. At the end of your social media break, you might realize that you didn’t even miss it all that much. To give our physical health a boost, we can use our extra free time with exercise or cooking a nutritious meal. 

Stronger Relationships

Lastly, taking a tech timeout allows you to strengthen your relationships by being more present without the distraction of screens. Use this time to engage in face-to-face moments and spend quality time with loved ones. Rather than scrolling during dinner, initiate a meaningful conversation to foster stronger bonds. 

After your first detox, reflect on your experience and what you noticed about it. Consider keeping a journal to document your daily thoughts. A digital detox doesn’t have to last forever; it’s simply to help you have a better relationship with technology and be more mindful of your habits. It’s all about balance, kings.