Undergoing a digital detox can be good for you.
Technology is taking over the lives of many people around the world. According to a TIME Magazine poll, 84% of people worldwide confessed that they could not bear the thought of going through a single day without their beloved mobile device. The study also showed the extent of people?s addiction to modern technology. Here are some important facts that you should consider.
- One in four people habitually check their phones every 30 minutes while one in five checks their phones every 10 minutes.
- 75% of people aged 25 to 29 take their phones to bed.
- 76% of Americans believe that being connected ?is a good thing?.
Similar studies also reveal some astonishing facts, which include the following:
- One in every eight Americans shows signs of internet addiction.
- 82% of Americans spend more time online than necessary while 65% claim they use the internet to escape their day-to-day problems.
- 34% of American women check their phones before getting out of bed while 21% even wake up in the middle of the night to check their Facebook account.
Negative Effects of Internet Addiction
While it can definitely make your life easier, numerous studies show that excessive dependence on modern technology can have a negative effect on your physical, mental and psychological well-being.
- It contributes to sleep disturbances. The use of computers before bedtime affects a person?s circadian rhythm and increases the risk of insomnia.
- It increases the risk for certain health conditions. It increases the risk for weight gain, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and colon cancer. It also doubles the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.?
- It increases the risk of depression. Internet overuse can lead to depression, ADHD and social phobia, especially among adolescents. It can also cause unnecessary stress, exhaustion and fatigue.
- It affects your brain. Studies show that using some form of technology causes the brain to shrink up to 20% over time.
How to Do a Digital Detox
To avoid these negative effects, here are some easy ways that may help you disconnect from technology.
- Meditate. Start your day with silence. Meditating even for just 10 minutes a day can help your mind calm down, refresh and focus on what needs to be done.
- Set boundaries with your boss. If you don?t want your boss to think that you are on call 24/7, don?t reply to emails during weekends. Similarly, if you are going on a vacation, check with your boss to see if it is okay for you to unplug, and check emails only once per day.
- Put self-imposed limitations. Cut down the time you spend on social media, and take a deep breath when you feel the urge to check your email or social media accounts.
