In our increasingly connected world, it can be particularly hard to disconnect from our screens and devices. That can be especially relevant for those in the tech world or those who work in an office for hours on end. Nevertheless, taking regular breaks from screens is important not only for your eyes, but also for your mental and physical health.
Undeniably, technology is part and parcel of our lives; hardly a day goes by when we don’t check our phones for messages or our social media. From Apple devices to Zoom, more and more people are choosing to go online to communicate instead of meeting in person. That in itself can have ramifications on the mind and body.
Many people are choosing to go on a digital detox, even if it’s for a mere few hours, days, or a whole week. Choosing to go on a digital detox can help people develop a healthier balance between technology and everyday life. Here are a few other benefits.
Improved Sleep
Devices like iPads, tablets, and phones all emit blue light, which can hinder the body’s production of melatonin, an important hormone that promotes sleep. It can also make it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. Taking a break from your devices by switching them off before bed or putting them on silent can go a long way toward reducing distraction. It will give you less mental stimulation, as screen-free time allows your mind to relax without being constantly bombarded by messages, social media notifications, and YouTube videos that encourage doomscrolling.
Boosted Productivity
Research has repeatedly shown that people who take breaks from their devices tend to accomplish more. That’s because they can focus on the task at hand without constantly being distracted by notifications and other interruptions. It also reduces mental fatigue; after all, processing messages, feeds, and notifications consumes cognitive resources; less digital input can allow you to use your energy for more important things.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
When you step away from your devices, you create more time for yourself to accomplish things that you really want to do. For starters, you can have more time to exercise, practice a hobby, read a book, or have a heartfelt conversation with a friend. All of these can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Reduced interruptions from your phone also means that you will have less stress from reading news headlines and making social comparisons on social media.
Better Physical Health
Spending less time in front of your screen can reduce eye strain, headaches, and posture-related problems. It also means you will get up and move, which you wouldn’t do when you are in front of your computer or scrolling on your phone. Disconnecting from your devices would in one way or another, encourage you to move your body and participate in activities that require physical exertion, such as walking, running, or playing sports.
Stronger Relationships
Psychologists agree that face-to-face connections matter and are important for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If we spend a lot of time gazing at our screens, we lose the connections that matter most to us in life. Being fully present and engaging in in-person communication with friends, loved ones, and acquaintances helps people spend quality time, better understand one another, and have deeper conversations, all of which contribute to healthy relationships.
Starting a digital detox can be tough and takes real self-discipline. You could try setting a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to unplug, or plan moments to put your phone away and enjoy something you love, like a walk or a good book. Remember, you don’t have to give up technology altogether, finding the right balance is the key.
David Messiha | Staff Writer