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Why you should do a Digital Detox

It can be difficult to take real time off to recharge when we are constantly bombarded with smart phones, tablets, laptops, computers, gaming systems, smart watches and other forms of technology. If you are someone who constantly checks your e-mails and text messages even when you are on holiday or having a meal with family, then you may need to take a digital detox.

Spending all day hunched over a laptop, computer, smart phone or gaming device can lead to eye strain, headaches, back and neck strain. It also harms our ability to communicate with people face to face and it may hurt the relationships we have with friends, family and co-workers.

One of the most troubling aspects of heavy technology use is its effect on sleep. Using these devices before bed, late into the night or in the middle of the night when you wake up can lead to lowered production of the sleep hormone melatonin and an increase in the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones over stimulate our brain and make it difficult to sleep and relax.

Technology induced insomnia can lead to fatigue, stress and depression. It is also difficult to make time for exercise and maintain a healthy body when you are preoccupied by watching series, gaming or texting. This can lead to weight gain and poor health.

A digital detox will allow you to create a boundary between your real life priorities and your technologic devices.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Create a digital bedtime and stick to it every night of the week. Turn off all devices by 9pm and keep them out of the bedroom so you don’t turn them on again if you wake up in the middle of the night. This will help you sleep better and reduce stress hormone production.
• Spend less time on social media and check your profiles only in the morning and evening but don’t spend the rest of the day refreshing the pages.
• Wear a regular wrist watch to stop you checking your smart phone for the time.
• Schedule complete digital vacations in your diary every 2 or 3 weeks. This involves turning off the laptop, smart phone and iPad for a couple of days and enjoying relaxation time with friends and family completely unplugged.

Sources
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18039/11-tips-for-your-next-digital-detox.html
www.activebeat.com/your-health/8-reasons-to-do-a-digital-detox-in-2016/