Breaking the Digital Cycle: Why You Should Embrace a Digital Detox for a Better You

As the digital landscape continues to be a staple in all aspects of our daily lives, it’s become an unconscious habit to feel the need to be constantly connected to our digital devices and social platforms.

Here’s what a typical day looks like in 2021:

• Starting from the beginning of our day — we look to social media channels for the latest buzz about what our friends have been up to, breaking news stories and inspiring content to get the day going.
• This digital connection continues throughout the day — our colleagues in the workplace communicate, collaborate and share information through social channels like Slack and Google Meet.
• Once the workday is complete, our ties to work-related tasks linger as many people feel the need to reply to work emails after hours. In addition to keeping busy with personal social interaction to catch up on all the things, we missed during the day.
• One more Instagram feed review before bed and your day’s digital overload finally comes to an end.

Although this is today's norm for a normal day, just 10 years ago, people had a more manageable work-life balance. They truly lived in the moment rather than in some digital realm.

These thoughts lead us to questions like:

• “Why do we feel the need to be connected?”
• “What kind of negative effects the need for connectivity have on our wellbeing?”

If you find yourself lacking motivation, creativity in a quiet space with no distractions can help you. A digital detox is something that can readjust your senses. It can help you feel recharged and like your normal self.

The difficulty when starting a digital detox is interrupting our daily routine. It is because we are so focused on the digital world. There’s no more lunchtime Facebook scrolling, no more Googling random questions to distract you from your work. It’s just you, yourself and your thoughts.

While this may seem like an impossible commitment for some, completing a digital detox is the best way to refresh ourselves, and here’s why.

Better Health For Your Mind, Body and Soul

It’s astounding to see the negative impacts of digital usage. It’s mentally and physically draining. Once you cut off from the digital world, you can be present at the moment. It helps you be aware of the world around you. The beneficial part of your mental health, spending less time on your smartphone means more time to focus on yourself.

Studies in 2021 have shown that heavy internet users are 2.5 times more likely to be depressed. We find ourselves comparing our looks and lives to social influencers. We are more and more aware of the troubling issues in the world.

They say “comparison” steals joy. In this case, it steals a positive mental state too. Instead of focusing on others and the issues around us, spend your time doing the things you enjoy. Go for a walk in your local park. Visit a friend for coffee. Genuinely connect with them in conversation that cannot be interrupted by notification sounds on your phone. You’ll feel more human again.

Your Productivity Will Skyrocket

Count how many times we unconsciously check up on our phones every day purely out of habit. Now multiply that amount by seven and, you’ll understand how much time you spend just scrolling through social media platforms.

Around 52% of people check their phones a few times per hour, even if they don’t have any notification. This poor day management leaves us with less time to put in more effort into our work. We have no extra time for fulfilling a better life balance by doing things like working out or reading that book that was supposed to finish six months ago (Gallup, 2015).

Anything digital is a distraction when we’re not using it in moderation or the “right” way. A digital detox can quickly solve this issue, as it encourages you to switch out your frequent digital check-ins for things that will help you to be better, do better, and do more with the 24 hours that lie in front of you every day.

Improve Your Relationships

Ironically, the internet is supposed to connect us more than ever, but the quality of connections is slowly deteriorating. If you’re living in a digital world, how can you be present with your loved ones around you in the real world?

43% of people who are in a relationship believe their partner uses their phone too much. 70% admit to using their phone during mealtimes with family or friends (Beyond Blue, 2019).

The time that was once meant for meaningful conversations and getting to know one another has quickly been taken over by the latest distraction on our smart device. With the help of a digital detox, you’ll have the opportunity to unlearn your habits of multitasking when you’re around your friends and family and instead, be genuinely engaged in your communication with others with your undivided attention. Not only will you thank yourself for this beneficial side effect of a digital detox, but those around you will notice and appreciate it as well.

Remember How To Breath Again

In the end, we are all trying to find balance in this fast, hybrid world. There is no right answer to happiness. But, we do think that digital detoxing will reset your life back to a state of balance. Your body and your state of mind will take a turn for the better. Your productivity and relationships will be improved. It’s time to be less distracted by your smart device and more in tune with the world around you. Try it, you will thank us later.