It’s no secret that we spend a large part of our days looking at screens, and the resulting negative impact on health and wellbeing is well-known. At this time of year, while many of us are planning time off from work and the fast pace of life, it’s the ideal time to take a break from technology, disconnect from devices, and embrace a digital detox. Here are 3 reasons why a digital detox could be the best gift this Christmas.
1. It’s good for you
Most of us can’t go even just a few minutes without checking our phones, replying to texts, reading emails, or logging in to social media. In fact, data from a recent survey revealed some startling results about our digital usage.
According to the survey results, the average Australian spends 150 minutes of their day on their phone. One in six of us stares at a device for more than 5 hours a day. And only 8 per cent of Aussies spend less than an hour a day on a phone.
Aside from the vast amount of time we spend on devices absorbing all of this digital information – which can lead to digital eye strain and impaired sleep patterns – our shocking screen habits are unhealthy too, causing us to feel anxious, distracted and exhausted.
Disconnecting – even for a short time - is good for mental health, helps us slow down, and clears the head. What’s more, giving your eyes a break from screens helps them relax so you’re not straining your eyes. And it’s quite likely your sleep patterns will improve with a digital detox, which means you could feel more relaxed and refreshed by your digital-less routine.
2. It frees up time to reconnect
How often have you experienced whole conversations without giving any thought to what’s actually being said? Or enjoyed a meal out with a friend but spent most of the time scrolling on your phone? And what’s the first thing you do when you finally relax at the end of the evening? Do you automatically grab your phone and update your social media profiles or check your emails?
When you disconnect from digital, you reconnect with the world around you. So this December, spend quality time with family and friends. Be present in conversations. Make meaningful memories and actually be a part of them. Reconnect with those near and dear to you instead of focussing on what’s going on in your phone.
3. It lets you recharge and re-energise
Constantly being bombarded with an unlimited flow of information isn’t good for our brains. In a time where email, social media and text messages are our preferred means of communication, constant multitasking and jumping between digital platforms actually makes us less efficient, according to some neuroscientists.
Use your digital detox to recharge and re-energise by listening to your body and truly relaxing. Find things to do offline that spark joy, get more sleep and eat better, so you can start the new year with renewed energy, a fresh perspective, and greater productivity.
A digital detox challenge
We rely on technology for so much of our everyday lives, that it can feel like an impossible challenge switching off with a digital detox. However, it’s worth remembering a time – not that long ago – when we survived without a mobile phone to coordinate our lives. Whether you choose to disconnect with a digital detox for an hour, a day, a week or the month, there are undoubtedly benefits to experience from unplugging.
Another important source for managing health and wellbeing is having the right type of health insurance. Find out if you have enough health insurance or if you’re paying too much for health insurance by contacting a Mortgage Express broker today.
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