Do you need a Digital Detox?

You know when you’ve overindulged on food. Your body feels sluggish and bloated and you lack energy and feel overly full and uncomfortable. Many people try to combat that gross feeling by eliminating highly processed foods and avoiding high-calorie, low-nutrition foods for a few days. In essence, they are “detoxing” their body to feel better. But what happens when it’s your mind that doesn’t feel great? Technology has improved our lives in many ways. Like anything in life, though, too much can sometimes lead to harm. For more details, you can visit the full blog at Why you need a digital detox Social media and technology stimulate parts of the brain that “reward” us, much like certain illicit substances do. We get a dopamine rush and feel pleasure when we get “likes” or responses. That rush can sometimes cause us to fall into a trap of using social media as a way to relieve stress, loneliness or depression. A digital detox can be as easy as simply turning off your notifications, setting a time limit on your amount of screen time per day, or having a set period of self-imposed, non-screen time. Some people choose to cut out all social media and non-necessary technology during a digital detox, and some choose not to use their smartphones, tablets, computers, or technology at all. There are some health benefits to putting your phone down. You’ll become more productive. It improves your sleep. Improves your personal relationships. Less time scrolling through social media means more face-to-face time with friends and loved ones. It even reduces stress. Social media tends to feed our FOMO or “fear of missing out.” Creating added pressure to be connected. And finding new or old hobbies. Remember how you used to love reading, hiking or sewing? You may find yourself rediscovering hobbies or activities you wouldn’t normally have time for. You’ll soon find that your need to check sites will ease and you can control your need for constant online connection.