New Delhi: With each passing day, technology is taking over more and more of the planet, which has now become a global village. That being stated, social media and digital space are now a part of our life in a way that we cannot even begin to imagine. We communicate extensively in the virtual world, exchanging messages, and news, and even making friends. If we reflect on our lives, we would find that digitization dominates our lives, which has both positive and negative effects.
Today, being online is just part of daily life. We check our emails, speak with friends, and browse Facebook and Instagram throughout the day, and we do not even keep track of the time spent on these social networking sites. Even shopping has become online and binge-watching is the new trend. Thus, if we look at it, we will realize that it's digitization that is controlling our lives and this could be a cause of anxiety and stress at times.
For people of all ages, setting aside time and space for a frequent digital detox is crucial. However, toddlers and teenagers can benefit the most from digital detoxing. That is a result of their maturing brains which indeed makes them more vulnerable to the harm that technology can do to the body and nervous system.
What Is Digital Detox?
Digital detox is nothing but the practice of abstaining from using any technology devices, including cell phones, for a day or other set amount of time. It involves deliberately cutting down on screen time on TV, computers, and mobile phones in favour of activities that are more creative, social, or contemplative. Reconnecting with friends, family, nature, artistic outlets, and self-care pursuits while unplugging in this way enhances mental health and quality of life.
Benefits Of Digital Detox:
Most of us could definitely benefit from a digital detox in today's increasingly connected environment. Even while many of us may sense the need for a digital detox, it can be difficult to modify our behaviours, especially when we're bombarded with chances to connect online and use more technology. However, if you consider all of the advantages of digital detox, you might think it's worthwhile.
1. Improved Sleep:
Most of our electronic devices generate blue light, which hinders the release of melatonin, a hormone that helps control our sleep cycles. Our ability to sleep well and maintain good physical health can both be significantly enhanced by cutting back on screen usage, particularly in the evening.
2. Better Social Interactions:
By getting rid of digital distractions, you have more chances to focus on those around you. You may also have the opportunity to make new friends around you if your face isn't buried in your smartphone.
3. It Is Good For Your Eye Health:
Relaxing your eyes is one of the best physical health advantages of digital detox. Your eyes are under a lot of pressure when you stare at a screen for extended periods of time. Digital eye strain, headaches, and indications of dry eyes are all possible. The hardest part of this is that you experience these discomforts every day, but you cannot help it at the same time. The eyes will feel a lot more relaxed if we practice digital detox for a few days, and will help us sleep better as well.
4. Helps In Reducing Anxiety:
One study demonstrates a connection between smartphone use, academic success, and anxiety. Anxiety is more likely to strike those who are smartphone addicts. You can considerably improve your mental health and assist yourself in managing anxiety by engaging in a digital detox.
5. Improves Overall Health And Quality Of Life:
This is possibly the best thing that can happen while practising digital detox if it benefits your general health and quality of life. On putting smartphones down and turning off social media, at least for a few days, you have more time to focus on taking care of your body, mind, and health. By giving ourselves a bit more time so that we can engage in some of the best self-care activities, like exercising, meditating, and spending time in nature, our health will be improved to a great extent. A digital detox also enhances your interpersonal interactions and increases your productivity at work.
Thus, at times it is important to go for a digital detox, given that nowadays, our life totally revolves around our laptops and smartphones. It not only reduces stress, but it also enables us to get back with rigour and energy making us more productive at our work.