Digital Detox for Mental Health
With the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being behind a screen too much. Consuming mass information from topics of your interest can be overwhelming, feel consuming, and even hurt your health.
In this blog, I dive into the correlations between the effects technology, specifically in the form of social media and platforms of mass information, has on the nervous system and the importance of mindfulness in overall health.
Why Your Nervous System Needs a Break From Screens
Simply put, our brains can handle a lot of information. Its capacity is supported by an estimated 86 billion neurons with trillions of synaptic connections, the specialized areas where neurons communicate and transfer information, in order for you to process daily life.
Although our brains can handle a lot, they were not designed for the constant stimulation we are putting them through today. Each time we tap our screens and scroll on social media platforms, our brains enter into a sympathetic state, or our “fight-or-flight” response.
SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DOMINANCE
Our body’s response to being in “fight-or-flight” is very reactive: heart rate increases, pupils dilate, blood flow to muscles increases, glucose (energy-giver) increases, inflammation increases, and digestion decreases, among others. In other words, our body is prepared to move rapidly in order to protect you.
A main driver in having sympathetic nervous system dominance? Having constant stimulation. This emotional and mental input creates burnout and alters our body’s perceived stress. Even further, being in a chronic sympathetic state means the parasympathetic nervous system, our relax and digest mode, is paused.
PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Our parasympathetic nervous system is where our bodies feel relaxed, where rebuilding and restoration occur, and bodily systems work together. Think of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system as if they were on a balance beam–when there is a greater amount of one activity, the other is decreased.
In the case of the sympathetic nervous system being skewed more, it causes long-term health conditions such as:
A Digital Detox
A digital detox is all about being intentional and aware of where you are investing your time. It’s an intentional reduction in screentime to limit its continuous stimulation. Creating healthy barriers around screentime can look like:
Taking days off from social media monthly or quarterly
Unplugging after 8 pm
Dive into hobbies or passions when you feel the need to reach for a device
Going for a walk or sitting out in nature
Start a book you’ve had on your shelf or reading list
Schedule hangout times or get together with friends or family
Join a local club of interest
Mental Health Is Just as Important as Physical Health
For longevity, mental health is just as important as physical health! Practicing mindfulness through being aware of screen time allows you to have a healthy relationship with technology.
Georgetown University conducted a study of 500 participants to measure how reducing internet access can positively impact daily life. Through questionnaires, participants recorded an increase in well-being and improved mental health with a decrease in screen time as a result. The researcher also tested the participants' attention spans through a computer exercise and found that participants had significantly improved attention spans after two weeks.
This study demonstrates that a partial digital detox can be really beneficial for overall brain health. Taking time away from a screen creates space for other things you enjoy!
Interested in learning more tips for overall health and well-being?
Tap below to schedule a discovery call with me, and let’s dive in together!