The internet and technology have become an essential part of our lives. We are immersed in the digital world, and each day more, we feel the need to stay connected in order to create a sense of belonging in this new age.
And although the internet and the advances in technology have brought us many opportunities in the most diverse aspects, for example, improving the ways we communicate and bringing new professional opportunities, the internet also has its bad sides.
Therefore, it is essential to keep an open mind about the impacts of the excessive use of the internet, be aware of the risks of staying connected all the time in social networks or in any other interactive form of technology, and learn to recognize when you need help getting out.
This is where digital detox enters and plays a fundamental part in helping us stay mentally healthier regarding the use of the internet and everything related to connectivity.
But if you do not know what digital detox is, what are the signs that you need one, and some habits you need to cultivate for wellness, keep reading this article and find out more!
What is a digital detox?
We can define digital detox as a way of cleansing ourselves from anything related to digital tools, social networks, and the virtual world as a whole.
Digital detox is literally the act of turning off and disconnecting from the digital world, whether it is for a day, a couple of days, or weeks and months.
The goal behind detoxifying from the digital world is to cleanse in order to recharge your batteries, cultivate your wellbeing and release stress and anxiety that staying connected all the time can bring.
Why is it so important to do a digital detox?
By doing a digital detox, you will be able to reconnect to yourself on many levels, shut down the noises of day-to-day life for a moment, release stress, anxiety, and tension, invest time in offline activities, spend quality time with your family and friends, etc.
But have you ever thought about the signs that show that you need a digital detox? Keep reading and find out more!
What are the signs that you need a digital detox?
Being on the internet certainly brings out many feelings and sensations. The internet can be a good place to be, but when you start feeling anxious, stressed, or anything related to those feelings, it may be time to stay alert and consider doing a digital detox.
Here are some signs that you may need a digital detox:
- You constantly feel the need to check on your phone, or social networks, without even needing it.
- When you leave your house without your phone, you feel like a part of you stayed at home. Or worse, you would not leave the house without it.
- You feel anxious and even depressed.
- You are constantly afraid that you are missing out on something (FOMO).
- You make your meals with your phone by your side.
- You go everywhere with your phone.
- When you get home, the first thing you do is turn on the TV.
- You have trouble sleeping.
- You feel out of focus.
- When you post something, you feel obligated to check your “results” on social media, etc.
Many other signs can show that you need a digital detox. And now that you know some of them, it is time to see what you can do to stay healthy regarding the use of the internet, social media, and other interactive forms of technology.
3 habits to cultivate for wellness in the digital world
Check below 3 habits that you should cultivate for wellness in the digital world, which can also be seen as a way to detox since you can implement them in your day-to-day life.
Monitor your cell phone usage
The first step in dealing with a problem is by recognizing it and taking action to solve it.
By monitoring your cell phone usage, you will be aware of how much you use your phone and will be able to create strategies to reduce the usage. For example, you can set up a bedtime routine and a curfew before sleeping to calm your mind before bed and guarantee a great night’s sleep.
Completely disconnect from the digital for a period
Nothing sounds more digital detox than completely disconnecting from the digital world for some time.
You can start your cleanse, or fast with small steps. Turn off all the digital devices like computers, cell phones, tablets or iPads, TVs, etc., for 12 hours, then increase for 24 hours, then 48 hours, and keep going until you think it is necessary.
When offline, try to create a routine of wellness habits, like practicing mindful eating, focusing on the moment of the meals without any exterior interruptions.
You can also exercise, do yoga, meditate, read, paint, or start some new activity or hobby that you always wanted and never had the time to do.
And, if possible, disconnect too from any work-related assignments that require the use of digital means. It is the time of a total cleanse!
Take a trip to reconnect with yourself or with your family and friends
Another wellness habit you can adopt during your digital detox period is to take a trip to reconnect with yourself at every level.
By taking a trip, you will have the opportunity to turn off all the noise of everyday life, get to know a new place without any digital interference, spend some time with yourself, and recharge your batteries for when you return to the “real (digital) world.”
You can see this trip as an adventurous time, where you can enjoy your own company, do an internal cleanse, and reevaluate some aspects of your life.
If you don’t want to do it alone, you can also invite some friends or family to participate in the digital detox, enjoy the time with them, and even make them grow a consciousness about taking some time off the digital world.
Are you ready? Staying off sometimes is a way to stay healthy physically and mentally. Now you know what to do! It is time to put yourself first: take all this information and put it into action for an effective digital detox!
If you are a technology professional looking to connect to organizations that value your diverse background and the unique experiences you bring, click HERE to apply to work with a MinTech Agency recruiter and land your dream job!
0 Comments