As a society, we are extremely reliant on technology. We stare at our computers and phones for eight hours a day, becoming increasingly stressed and frustrated. We then sit on crowded trains staring at our phones, before coming home to sit in front of the TV at night. We set our alarms for the next day, and our phone is the first thing we see when we wake up.
Screens have taken over our lives, and we use them for everything from working, to communicating, to entertainment. More than 50% of people claim to be addicted to technology, but when you factor in the people who are in denial, that figure is likely to be a lot higher.
Addiction to devices has so many negative health repercussions. It causes vision problems and cognitive impairment, creates poor posture and physiological issues, and it leads to stress, anxiety, and a wealth of additional mental health problems. More and more people are suffering from digital burnout, when their minds and bodies become overwhelmed with the constant flow of information from social media, TV, and news sites.
So how can you protect yourself from digital burnout? Here are a few tips to help you.
Use technology mindfully
No one gets bored anymore. Two decades ago, if you were waiting for a bus or doctor’s appointment and you forgot to bring a book, you’d end up sitting there staring into the distance and getting lost in your own thoughts. But now, the minute boredom starts to rear its head, people pick up their phones and mindlessly consume information to occupy their needy brains. This constant need to consume is what’s causing digital burnout, and you should refrain from using technology mindlessly.
Whenever you pick up your phone or switch on your computer or TV, make sure you are doing it mindfully. By all means open Facebook to send a message to your distant relative, but don’t scroll aimlessly. Stick the television on to watch that Oscar-winning film you’ve been dying to see, but don’t channel hop. Whether it’s Instagram, MetaTrader 4, Tinder, or Gmail, technology can be brilliant. But it can also be disastrous for your health if you’re not careful.
Schedule device-free time
You probably need technology for work and keeping in touch with family, but it’s essential you schedule some time apart from your devices. Use this time to spend time with your loved ones or focus on more wholesome analog hobbies like gardening, sport, or reading.
Pick up a book
Picking up your phone whenever you have downtime is one of the worst habits you can adopt, and only deepens your addiction. The best way to avoid this is by always carrying a good book with you. Whenever you’re sitting on the bus or you arrive early for a meeting, pick up your book instead of your phone and start improving your mind.
Have a digital declutter
Our phones and computers place the entirety of human knowledge at our fingertips. How can we break our addiction when we carry the universe in our hands? Reducing the functionality of your device is an excellent way to make it less appealing. Have a digital declutter, deleting any apps and programs that you absolutely don’t need.
Leave a Comment