The last few years have involved a lot of doom scrolling – reading plenty of gloomy and downright devastating news from all across the world. Add to that the fact that many of us have just spent the best part of two years in and out of lockdowns and quarantines, and well, there has been a lot of screen time. Whether you have been glued to your laptop working, bingeing on Netflix box sets, or watching your favourite YouTube channel, you’re probably getting to the point where a digital detox sounds like a very good idea.
A digital detox isn’t suggesting that you should abandon the internet completely, given it’s such an integral part of our day-to-day lives. Consider it akin to replacing one bad habit with a good one in order to provide your tired eyes – and mind – with some much-needed rest from technology.
Put a plan together
Screen time in itself isn’t harmful. After all, look at how many children use it as part of their everyday schooling now. As a result, the first step is to determine which aspects of screen time are unhealthy and make you miserable. That could include things like reading the news or skimming through social media platforms like IG, Twitter and Facebook. The second step is to devise a realistic plan for reducing your intake of toxic stuff.
It’s possible to set yourself realistic goals, like limiting reading news on weekends for twenty minutes or so. If this feels reasonable, shorten the time limit and make it a daily goal. Repetition will aid in the formation of new habits.
However, this may sound much easier said than done. Why not physically set aside time in your diary or calendar for mindless web browsing and news reading? This will help to give you structure.
Create a tech-free zone
It’s necessary for us to recharge our smartphones overnight however, doesn’t mean our gadgets must be kept close whilst we sleep. Numerous studies have shown that people who keep their smartphones in their bedrooms sleep worse than those who don’t.
Smartphones are detrimental to our sleep in a variety of ways. The blue light emitted by screens can deceive our brains into believing it is daytime, and some of the content we consume can be mentally stimulating and keep us awake when we should be sleeping. As a result, it’s recommended not to glance at your smartphone within an hour before going to bed. It’s also possible that the accessibility of your smartphone may encourage you to wake up and check it in the middle of the night.
Take a physical break
As mentioned, using screens can sometimes be more of a habit than anything else. It’s part of our modern day normal routine. So, taking a physical break – maybe to a calming, relaxing and historical location like Venice Beach Hotels, known as ‘The Oasis of Venice Beach’ – can help you focus much more on the comforts of a restful night sleep and stay close by the beach, whilst enjoying the environment around you and enjoying a digital detox.
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Be well, stay safe and be kind to your beautiful heart.
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