Digital Detox: How Technology Overuse is Affecting Mental and Physical Health
Technology has removed connectivity barriers but its effect on our health cannot be ignored! In today’s digitalized world, we are more connected than we ever have. However, the closer we are to these screens, the further we move away from reality. Moreover, it is our health and overall well-being that takes a back seat.
In today’s world health issues like weak eyesight, hormonal issues, and mental disorders are very common. One reason behind these increasing diseases is the effects of technology overuse. This, in turn leads to complex physical health issues and mental disorders.
What is the solution, you ask. Digital devices have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. How does one try to live without them? Well, Digital Detox might be the answer to this.
Before you ask more questions, let's dive deeper into the effects of technology and how a detox can help us fight them.
What is a Digital Detox? What are the benefits of doing a digital detox?
Remember only yesterday you decided you will scroll through social media only for twenty minutes but the moment you start, minutes become hours and the time flies by! You try to sleep after this tedious long marathon of endless reels, and there you are lying awake and not being able to close your eyes!
The next morning you woke up irritated, low on energy, and with groggy eyes. You reach again for the phone, and the loop is endless! This is where ‘Digital Detox’ steps in. It is an intentional practice where you put away your phone and invest your time in doing something productive.
Digital Detox is a choice that you make that ensures that you use technology and do not let it consume you!
‘Digital Detox is your savior’- here is how?
Better sleep and waking patterns thus high energy levels.
A less information supply which means no more anxiety.
Better body posture and physical wellbeing.
A perfect reset for your body and soul.
Stronger, real relationships with friends and family.
No matter whether you are a student or a working professional, doing digital detox occasionally can be beneficial to you in end number of ways.
5 signs your body is crying for help: Impacts of digital overuse?
Have you ever noticed a throbbing headache or restlessness whenever you overuse your phones. Yes, right? But why does it happen? Our body cannot cope with information overdose and starts giving out signals. Here are some early signs that your body gives you and how you can identify them before it's too late.
Frequent headaches and irritation in eyes
Yes, I know it happens a lot, especially after the endless reel scrolling loop. This happens because of constantly exposing eyes to the screen and its harmful rays. This may lead to serious eye issues like developing power or chronic diseases like migraine etc. (if not checked initially).
What can be done?
Take a break when you feel tired.
Go for a walk or wash your eyes with cold water.
Avoid sitting in front of the screen for a long time.
Trouble in sleep
Scrolling reels on Instagram or binge-watching series at night has disturbed our sleeping schedules. The body’s natural body clock is disrupted, and we have troubled sleeping patterns. This is another negative effect of smartphones.
When there is constant disturbance in sleeping hours, our body feels lethargic and loses energy. Continuous sleep disruption may even lead to insomnia.
What can be done?
Avoid using screens an hour before going to bed and after waking up.
Take blue light meditation therapy if needed.
Play soothing music or use aromatic candles before sleeping
Increased stress and anxiety
Not only physical health, but digital overuse is also the reason behind increasing cases of mental disorders. Social media loads the brain with continuous data, decreasing the attention span and making us feel restless. Many research studies show that there is a direct link between overuse of gadgets and mental health deterioration. This may lead to panic attacks, hormonal imbalances, and increased anxiety levels.
What can be done?
Use apps which can track your screen time and block applications if they exceed the usage limit.
Use Social Media apps for entertainment and not for information.
Consult a therapist if the problem increases.
Stiffness in neck and back pains
Look around, there are 4 out of 5 people who suffer from neck pain, bad posture, and stiff shoulders. Researchers believe that these are the negative impacts smartphones have on our bodies. Whenever we use mobile phones, the neck protrudes in front and there is a hunch on the back. It is referred to as the ‘tech-neck’.
What can be done?
Keep a check on your posture, try to maintain a straight back.
Take a break and do some quick neck stretches.
Try to use one screen at a time.
Constant fatigue
Have you seen the zombie version of a living human? It is like what digital overuse does to your body. Droopy red eyes, hunched shoulders, slow walks, and absent mindedness are the early signs that you are being promoted to a human zombie!
What can be done?
Go for walks, play, run, or meditate in nature.
Adopt the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Make real-life connections. Go out with friends and practice digital detox.
Final Word
All in all, “technology is a good servant but a bad master”. With technology man has reached the moon but it has increased the health issues and put out mental health at stake. Doing a detox does not mean rejecting the technology but using it in ways that are only beneficial and not harmful.
It is high time you ask yourself, 'When was the last time you unplugged?’
FAQs
How can I reduce the screen time at work?
Start by taking normal breaks and take a stroll if needed. For a minute, close your eyes or use eye drops in case of any irritation or pain.
Does overuse of social media affect your self-esteem?
Yes, there are a lot of research studies that show how social media can lower your self-esteem. Everybody lives their best life on social media and constant comparison, and dissatisfaction can lead to reduced self-respect.
What is the best way to start a digital detox?
The best way is to start with short breaks and then intentionally not use any digital device for longer duration. It can even go up to a day.
Why do I feel a sore neck after using my phone for some time?
We often look at our screens in a hunched position and this bad posture can cause soreness in and around the neck area.
Does Digital detox mean staying away from digital devices permanently?
No, a digital detox does not mean that you must reject technology-it means you start using technology but with mindfulness.