Do you think you need one technological detox? Do you think your life is excessively dependent on the digital world and new technologies?
The digital world has meant a true revolution at all levels and has made our lives easier in many aspects, to the point that today it is essential. However, it also has its drawbacks and can enslave us, as we will see below.
Do you suffer from digital dependency?
The truth is that our multi-screen society, the Internet and social networks are setting the pace of our lives. And this is something that, in many cases, can cause addictions or be negative for our daily lives.
Right now, we depend on screens for almost everything: at work, to organize our agenda, mobile applications, Google queries, etc. And when it comes to enjoying our leisure time, there are WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Therefore, we must be careful with this phenomenon so that it does not take over our lives, since it can affect our physical and mental health.
To know if you suffer from this dependency and need a technological detox, the first thing is to examine your daily habits regarding new technologies. Here you have some signs that may be warning you of the need to detoxify:
- If you visit social networks more than ten times a day
- If the first thing you check when you wake up is your cell phone
- If the last thing you see before going to bed is your cell phone
- If you answer work emails outside of working hours
- If you can’t stop checking your phone when you’re with other people
How can digital dependency affect you?
The excessive use of mobile phones or other devices can develop different pathologies on a physical level:
- Text neck syndrome: misalignment of one or more vertebrae due to the posture adopted when consulting the device.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: more related to the use of the computer mouse.
- Tendonitis in the thumbs: related to our use of mobile phones.
- Retinal damage, poor visibility
- Circadian rhythm imbalance
- Poor sleep quality
On a psychological level, the consequences may be even more important. New technologies have brought with them new psychological problems such as:
- Nomophobia: This is the name given to total dependence on the mobile phone, to the point that the person feels bad if they do not have it nearby. A disorder that causes stress, obsessive thoughts, headaches…
- Isolation, deterioration of relationships and social skills: The person may focus only on fictitious virtual relationships and the publication of images.
- Low self-esteem caused by the constant comparison with the illusory reality that other people show on social networks.
- Unsafety: motivated by the continuous exposure of our lives to which we submit through social networks.
- Stress: derived from dependence on the Internet, the constant use of technologies and continuous hyperconnection.
- Dependence on online video games.
10 tips for an effective technological detox
These are some of the guidelines that can help you in your technological detox:
- Set a schedule. Structure your tasks well, so that you avoid filling in downtime by looking at your phone. Set a maximum time for this activity. Include bedtime in your schedule and respect it.
- Try to lead an active social life. To prevent your social life from developing only through the screen.
- Practice your hobbies. As long as they don’t have to do with technology: go running, swim, do yoga, read, paint, cook…
- Learn to better manage your Internet time. Distinguish between work and leisure and assign time to each thing.
- Turn off notifications. This way, you will check your cell phone less and it will be less present in your life.
- Leave an automatic notification in your work email while you’re on vacation and on your days off, this way you’ll avoid the temptation of checking your inbox.
- Take a vacation from your mobile. Choose the right time, the ideal is to do it during the holiday period. Use it only for essential calls.
- Set some rules. For example, put your phone in airplane mode when you get home. Another rule may be to avoid the cell phone during meals, whether at home or away, alone or in company. Also avoid sleeping with your cell phone nearby, etc.
- Clean mobile applications. Many of them may not be necessary and you can get rid of irrelevant notifications that distract you.
- Go to the psychologist. If it is impossible for you to disconnect or you think you have an addiction problem because it interferes with your habits and routines, it is best to consult with a psychologist.
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