In today’s fast-paced world, it’s difficult to operate day to day without the help of our electronic devices. These handy gadgets serve as the alarm that gets you out of bed, the calendar that keeps you organized, the GPS that gets you from place to place, plus so much more! Despite being incredibly convenient, digital devices can be a detriment to our mental and physical well-being, which is why health professionals suggest taking the occasional break, sometimes referred to as a digital detox. If you’ve caught yourself mindlessly staring at your smart phone for no reason, it may be necessary to take some time away from the screen. Keep reading to learn about the countless benefits of taking part in a digital detox.
What is a Digital Detox?
A digital detox is a period of time in which one refrains from using electronic devices, like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Digital detoxing is an opportunity to de-stress, and refocus your attention on the physical world around you. While it may be challenging to step away from the devices we hold dear, the benefits of doing so are manifold.
Improved Sleep
Sleep can be a struggle for many people, and using devices before bed will only make this problem worse. Staring at screens before settling in for the night tricks your brain into believing it’s time to be alert and awake. This is because the blue light emitted from your phone or tablet actually suppresses the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for maintaining the body’s circadian rhythm. When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, this can adversely affect everything from your metabolism to your mood and cause undesirable effects like weight gain, depression, and accelerated aging.
Increase Your Productivity
Technology allows us to connect to people like never before, but this constant connectedness can be distracting and disruptive to our productivity. Some social apps have even taken to tracking an individual’s “screen time,” allowing you to visualize just how many hours you could save by taking a break from scrolling. If you have a deadline to meet at work or a project you’ve been wanting to complete at home, try taking a timeout from tech. You’ll notice a boost in creativity and productivity, allowing you to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Build Better Social Connections
Before smart phones, it was common to strike up a conversation with a stranger in an elevator or waiting room. Nowadays, people would rather be glued to their phone screens. While technology has done a lot to connect people, it can also have the opposite effect, further isolating us from one another. We use our devices during family outings, when driving, while eating out with friends, and just about every other opportunity we have. This diverts our attention away from our loved ones and weakens our connections to one another. In fact, studies indicate that more than 50% of couples believe their partner spends too much time on their phone. Participating in a digital detox can help improve communication, encourage intimacy, and promote healthy partnerships.
Boost Your Physical Health
Much of the time we spend on our devices is done while we’re sedentary. This puts strain on the body, particularly the neck, back, and in some cases—your midsection. When all the entertainment we need is right in the palm of our hands, what incentive do we have to get up and get moving? It’s no wonder the rate of obesity and related illnesses has been steadily on the rise. When you eliminate the distraction of electronic devices, you suddenly have no desire to lay around and be lazy. Instead, you’re more likely to spend your time doing something worthwhile and productive, and less likely to notice your waistline expanding.
Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Believe it or not, spending too much time on your electronic devices can be a real confidence killer. Studies have demonstrated a direct correlation between spending too much time online and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Being bored and scrolling through social media may seem harmless, but if you’re struggling with self-esteem, it’s often one of the worst things you can do. When we’re constantly viewing these picture-perfect images online, it can trigger envy and resentment from those who feel like their life must be lacking. The reality is, people carefully curate their social media to show only what they want others to see, which can be very misleading.
Reclaim Your Free Time
Have you ever found yourself browsing the web only to realize you’ve been online for way longer than you intended? It’s shocking how time seems to just slip away when our attention is fixed on something. Before you know it, you’ve wasted hours that could’ve been spent organizing your space, enjoying the outdoors, or in the company of loved ones. By taking a breather from your digital devices, you have the opportunity to reclaim your free time for yourself. So, take advantage of it! Treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath, crack open that book you’ve been wanting to read, or plan a staycation for you and your sweetheart. You’ll be amazed by everything you’re able to accomplish when you have less distractions.
Give Your Mind & Body a Boost at Leo’s Fitness Lab
If your health has suffered from overusing electronic devices, you’re not alone. The good news is, it’s never too late to get your life back on the right track. At Leo’s Fitness Lab, we strive to help our clients foster both a healthy body and mind. We offer an entirely unique approach to wellness and fitness, combining advanced technology and nutritional coaching to deliver an experience unlike any other. Discover state-of-the-art equipment that allows you to precisely track your progress, so you can be confident your hard work is yielding real results. What do you have to lose? Call to schedule your free introductory workout today!
