Reasons to do a digital detox
We’ve all been there randomly lost in a rabbit hole on our device. What gets you the quickest, the phone, tablet, or your computer? When does it take you over? What is the social media app or site you are getting lost in?
Can you imagine spending an hour without needing to take a picture of the experience your living, or even better -- can you imagine shutting your phone and computer off for the entire weekend without the worry of missing out or getting lost in.
Every Friday in the month of October join me in a digital detox challenge. Email me at ryanwestrum@gmail.com for more details.
The Digital Detox
A digital detox refers to a period of time when a person refrains from using tech devices such as smartphones, televisions, computers, tablets, and social media sites. “Detoxing” from digital devices is often seen as a way to focus on real-life social interactions without distractions. By forgoing digital devices, at least temporarily, people can let go of the stress that stems from constant connectivity.
Before you decide if it is right for you, consider some of the potential benefits and methods of doing a digital detox:
Technology Can be Stressful
While people often feel that they can't imagine life without their tech devices, research and surveys have found that technology use may also contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Digital Devices Can Disrupt Sleep
Evidence also suggests that heavy device use, particularly prior to bedtime, can interfere with sleep quality and quantity.
Constant Connectivity Affects Work Life Balance
That feeling of always being connected can make it difficult to create boundaries between your home life and work life. Even when you are at home or on vacation, it can be hard to resist the temptation to check your email, respond to a text from a colleague, or check in on your social media accounts.
Social Comparison Makes It Hard to Be Content
If you spend time on social media, you have probably found yourself comparing your own life to your friends, family, total strangers, and celebs. You might find yourself thinking that everyone else seems to be leading a fuller, richer, or more exciting life based on the tiny, curated glimpse you see on their Instagram or Facebook posts.
Digital Connectivity Can Make You Feel Like You’re Missing Out
Fear of missing out, known as FOMO, is the fear that you are missing the experiences that everyone else is having. Constant connectivity can feed this fear.
Heavy Device Use May Be Linked to Mental Health Concerns
Heavy daily technology use was associated with an increased risk for mental health problems among adolescents. More time spent using digital technologies was linked to increased symptoms of ADHD and conduct disorder, as well as worse self-regulation.
Make It Work for You
A digital detox can be whatever you want it to be and can take many forms. You might want to try giving up all digital devices for a time, including television, mobile phones, and social media. In other cases, you might want to focus on restricting your use of just one type of digital device such as your phone or your gaming console.
Every Friday in October I'm hosting a 1.5 hour therapy group to discuss digital detoxing and help you tap into skills and motivation to start transforming your life. Align your energy to life giving and restoring practices. Email me to register ryanwestrum@gmail.com. Limited space is available.
