More often than not, in this era of copious technology, rather than actually interacting with those around us, we choose to log onto our devices and tap out of the situation at hand. At dinner tables, children are handed iPads and phones rather than crayons and a coloring sheet in order to pacify them. Relationships are often damaged, and fights ensue over the misinterpretation of a text message. Many conflicts initiate due to excessive social media usage.
Dating through an app, never having met the person you claim to be in love with, or pretending to be someone else in order to attract suitors online are all frighteningly common occurrences. There is not only bullying now but also cyber bullying, where it is possible to be attacked through a monitor. The newspaper industry is dying because of the constant stream of information fed to us through the internet. Rather than researching these topics that are handed to us, we make assumptions and develop strong opinions simply based on the headline of an article. It has become the norm to see text messages prioritized over passing moments, taking away from any substantial experiences we may encounter. Unfortunately, this lack of substance pulls from the joys and perils of every day.
There is a skewed perception of what is real, and what is made to seem real. Are we actually living if we are attempting to do so through a screen? There is no clear answer, but there does seem to be an abundant feeling of hollowness paired with our constant desire to remain logged on.
It has been shown that our constant technological immersion is unhealthy to say the absolute least, leading to insomnia, among other complications. Unplugging for even a few days is more beneficial to your mental health than you could imagine. PopSugar suggests the Seven Day Smartphone Detox.
It's almost embarrassing to think that because we're so glued to our devices, there's a full blown detox to help kick the habit of constantly refreshing. Though ridiculous, it is reality and there are several unexpected benefits to unplugging for a few hours or days.
While detoxing from the most toxic parts of our everyday lives, you'll experience better sleep quality, memory retention, productivity and even reduced body pain. Looking at your phone before bed messes with your circadian rhythm rather than allowing your brain work in the natural darkness. Just the same, with less time to melt into our phones, we can put more effort into activities that are beneficial to us, such as hobbies or nurturing connections with others.
It's not that hard to detox from social media and even your phone as a whole. So when you get the chance, take a breather, and take in the world around you.
