I know that the first thing you do as soon as you wake up in the morning is – check your smartphone. For texts or notifications. I’m guilty of it too *hides face*
But it makes me wonder, is this actually healthy? I don’t remember the last time I took a break from technology and went offline for 24 hours. Probably never. Which is exactly why I need a digital detox. And so do you!
According to Forbes, Digital Detox is a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, and is regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world.
Technology is bae, why do I need to go offline?
It’s true that the internet has made how we live and work incredibly convenient. But digital addiction is a real thing. The obsession with perfect feeds, more likes and more retweets has given rise to loneliness, stress and depression.
And a new ailment called phantom vibration syndrome (or ringxiety). WebMD explains that it is
“a phenomenon where people think their mobile phone is ringing or vibrating when it’s not.”
So, going offline every once in a while is good for your mental health as it reduces anxiety. It also lessens overdependence on technology, gives us more time in the real world, boosts productivity and provides us with an opportunity to go outdoors. Imagine the kind of free time we’d have if we didn’t check our phones for messages every 5 minutes, if we didn’t worry about how many comments our YouTube video got or how many episodes the new season of our favourite web-series has.
How exactly can I do a Digital Detox?
It can be something as simple as having dinner without your phone in hand. Or turning it on silent when you’re on a date. Unsubscribing from irrelevant mailing lists and limiting your screen time. And when you’re comfortable with the idea, take it a step further.
- Log out of your social media accounts for at least 24 hours. Sounds scary, I know. But do it when you are with friends or family. Or during a festival. Concentrate on people, conversation and celebrations.
- Visit a place with no network and no WiFi. Yes, no-internet holidays are a thing now. You don’t really have to give the world updates via check-ins and upload vacation pictures. Consider places like Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, Andaman & Nicobar islands or Kheerganga in Himachal Pradesh. Psst…I’ve heard that Vana Malsi Estate in Dehradun is perfect for some much-needed peace and tranquillity.
- Take up a hobby offline. It can be sports, music or a book club. Anything that is technology-free.
The key is to start slow and do whatever floats your boat. The only caveat being, it should not be a one-off event but a conscious decision to change old habits.
Is this something you’ve tried already? Tell us how you went about it.