A 101 guide for the ultimate Digital Detox

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Digital Detox
Praveen Kumar

If the thought of missing out on one important text or tweet makes you break out in a cold sweat, you might be due for a digital detox. It’s tempting to think that the people who need to unplug are totally addicted to technology. The reality is that almost everyone can benefit from disconnecting, even for a day. Studies show that overusing technology is bad for your sleep, your relationships, your productivity, and your self-esteem.

A lot of people report increased happiness by shutting off social media or putting away their phone after dinner. Even if it is a small change, your brain will relax and recharge. Wedding Affair brings to you what you should know about the benefits of disconnecting, including actionable tips to finally unplug — and no, you don’t have to live off the grid forever.

Digital detox
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Cons Of Technology

It’s impossible to step away and detox from technology, and it’s not practical to suggest you can’t use it at all. The problem is that overusing technology makes it more difficult to live your life on your own terms. Here’s what that looks like:

  • Using technology after dark keeps you awake: Blue light from screens messes with your natural sleep-wake cycle. It also increases your risk of serious illness like obesity, cancer, and diabetes.
  • Social media use is associated with toxic behaviors: Specifically, narcissism, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
  • Overusing technology makes you less productive: Need to concentrate on a problem at work? You can’t reach that golden flow state of productivity when you’re constantly distracted by notifications.
  • Smartphones are especially disruptive: According to a 2014 study, using your smartphone for work at night makes you less productive and engaged the following morning. The results were more pronounced than other forms of technology, like tablets and TV.

A Break-up From Your Phone

Overusing technology makes it more difficult to focus on the experiences that truly bring you value. You don’t need your cell phone or laptop. Sure, technology can make your life more convenient and entertaining. But most of the time, it’s more fulfilling to let your mind wander, have a face-to-face conversation with a loved one, or take a walk outside. These experiences can’t be matched by a text or a Facebook post. Instead of spending your time doing things that matter to you, technology is sapping your attention.

Say you spend an hour per night watching your favorite show. That’s 7 hours per week camped out in front of your laptop or TV (after you’ve already spent 8 hours at your computer for work). What if you spend that time working out, prepping your lunches for the week, reading a book, or working on your side hustle?

Clear warning signs that you need a break from technology:

  • You constantly check your smartphone throughout the day.
  • You struggle to have face-to-face conversations.
  • You make careless mistakes because you’re always distracted.
  • You aren’t sleeping well.
  • You’re sedentary for long stretches of time.
  • You don’t spend time outdoors because you spend your free time looking at screens.
Digital detox
Dingzeyu Li

How To Do A Digital Detox

  • Swear off your most-used social media app for a week.Completely turn off notifications for that app. Tell friends they can call or text you if they want to reach you.
  • Turn off notifications during work hours. Check your messages at designated times throughout the day, like once every other hour.
  • Swear off screens after dark.Once the sun sets, keep your phone, laptop, and TV powered off. Turn off electronics in your bedroom, and black out LED screens. Pay attention when your body naturally starts feeling sleepy.
  • Change your notifications: Unsubscribe from email newsletters that clutter your inbox. Turn off the vibration setting on your phone. Does that red notification alert stress you out? You can turn it off in your settings and app permissions.

What You Can Do?

  • Get creative:Draw, dance, write, paint, or get creative in the kitchen. Creativity is good for you — it helps build new connections between neurons and sharpens your brain.
  • Work out: Exercise is good for your brain, your body, and your mental health. You don’t need a ton of time to reap the benefits.
  • Spend time with people you love:Grab dinner with a friend you haven’t seen in ages. Have a meaningful conversation with your partner. Invite your neighbors over for a board game night. Cook a complicated recipe with your family. Create memories that you can’t replicate with a phone in front of your face.
  • Go to sleep: Once you start to detox and limiting screen use, you might discover that you start feeling tired earlier in the evening. That’s your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle telling you to go to bed. Listen to it.

Also Read: Spices to get a flat stomach without exercising

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