Disconnect to Reconnect: clearing the clutter of the Mind
Now, think about the very first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning. I‘ll have to bet that it‘s not brushing your teeth or going for a run it‘s grabbing your cell phone. Our eyes are glued to our cell phones (or some sort of screen) from the second we wake up until the second we lay down to go to sleep.
It’s true: today’s smartphones and computers are undeniably a godsend, just not them all the time. Our minds simply aren’t built to deal with the constant barrage of notifications, alerts and online videos we’re hit with on a daily basis. It‘s difficult to concentrate and it’s stressful.
If your mind is constantly cloudy, you may need to go through a digital detox. Digital detox simply means taking a planned break from your electronic devices so that your brain can catch a break.
Why Our Screens Make Us Tired
And this is where we need to understand the psychology behind the creation of today‘s apps. Apps and social media sites are engineered to be addictive. Every time you get a “like” a message or a new notification, your brain is rewarded with a tiny spike of an addictive happy hormone called dopamine..
“We have given up deep, thoughtful introspection in favor of the quick gratification of a phone screen.”
Since we are rewarded so quickly by our phones, life can become a little dull without them. We stop paying attention for any amount of time at all, let alone several minutes. Filling every moment of every free second with a screen leaves no time for our mind to relax and focus on itself and organize thoughts and feelings.
The Amazing Benefits of Stepping Away
Having a digital detox doesn‘t mean cancel your cell plan and run away to the woods. It is simply about knowing what your limits are. When you take a break from all things digital, your mind starts to...
Focus improved: Freed from the distraction of a buzz or beep every five minutes, you can actually engage with what you are doing. You will noticed that things don‘t seem half as time-consuming or difficult.
Less Stress and Anxiety: Social media can make us compare our average days to everyone else’ highlight reels. Taking a break removes us from that comparison trap and quickly gives us a bit of relief and peace of mind.
Genuine Brain Rest: Research has demonstrated that if we are able to give our brain real silence and rest, it benefits our memory, our learning and our emotional well-being.
Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide to a Digital Detox
Can be difficult but here are some very easy for you to try to make it not so terrifying:
1. Set Your Own Rules
You choose what a detox means for you. Perhaps it‘s going a weekend with no social media. Or maybe it‘s turning your phone off at 8:00 PM every evening. Whatever goal is realistic for you.
2. Create “No-Phone” Zones
Designate parts of your home as device free. Ideal starting points are the dinner table and your bedroom. Consider charging your mobile in the kitchen overnight. This prevents you from spending ages examining your device late into the night; you‘ll wake up to first thoughts of your mind, not your screen.
3. Fill the Empty Space
If you put away your device and just sit there with nothing to do, you‘ll end up grabbing for it again and again until boredom takes over. Prepare yourself! Have something else to do with your free time actual activities such as reading a real book, hiking outside, journaling, or cooking.
4. Try “Micro-Detoxes”
You don‘t have to wait until the weekend to give your eyes a rest. Get away for five minute walks during the day without your cell and zone out. Think about anything you want don‘t listen to a podcast or check a text.
The Return to Clarity
When you can finally get away from that screen you will find that the mental haze begins to fade. The world around you will become sharper and more distinct. You will pay closer attention to what your friends are saying, get more out of your left overs hobbies, and suddenly feel that you are back in control of your own time.
Technology is an amazing tool when used mindfully. And it becomes a nightmare when it enslaves us and allows to slowly suck the life out of us. A digital detox I good way of taking back control of your mind.
Try it right now at least for one hour. Your brain will thank you.
#mentalhealthawareness#mindfulness #wellbeing#selfcare#positivevibes #loveyourself#educationforall
