Digital Detox: What If We Tried To Disconnect?

Last updated by Katie M.

Every Monday, the dreaded figure comes out: I spend an average of 7 hours per day on my phone. It reports the amount of time I spend looking at my screen, and I still canā€™t believe this figure. One thingā€™s for sure, Iā€™ve become addicted to my smartphone and social media in particular. So Iā€™ve decided, Iā€™m going to disconnect and do a digital detox! However, itā€™s not easy to disconnect just like that and completely do without your phone. So how do you go about it?

Contents : 

Why do a digital detox?

Smartphone addiction is the subject of numerous studies. They announce terrifying figures because, on average, people consult their phones at least 27 times per day. This figure doubles to 50 times per day for the under-30s like me.

Faced with this addictive behavior, researchers and doctors are sounding the alarm. Using your phone too much has harmful effects such as concentration problems, difficulty remembering things, and sleep disorders like sleep paralysis. Even more seriously, overusing your phone can lead to a loss of self-confidence. You may also develop a generalized anxiety disorder and depressionā€¦

šŸ““ Thatā€™s why itā€™s important to disconnect from time to time and use your phone reasonably. It may have harmful effects on your mental health.

Detoxing from social media

Itā€™s no longer a secret that social media is an obstacle to our happiness. But why? Apps like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and so on are addictive. These apps were originally created to share photos, videos and bring people together. However, social media has become addictive because of the reward system of likes, views, and comments. When we get one of these rewards, our brains secrete dopamine.

šŸ¤³ Using social media becomes harmful if you become too dependent on them. Thatā€™s why you need to learn to free yourself from your addiction.

Summer, the ideal time to disconnect

Unplugging everything? It seems unrealistic in our ultra-connected society. Of course, we want to stop opening Instagram by pure reflex, but how do we do it? There is a good time to consider a clean break for a short period: summer! Yes, this season is ideal! We notice that between 15 July and 15 August, there are hardly any posts. People go on vacation, enjoy the good weather, have a drink outdoors and sunbathe. So why not do the same without your phone in your hand.

ā˜€ļøSummer is the time to fully enjoy and recharge your batteries. Being away from social media wonā€™t be a waste of time! Besides, everyone else will be doing the same thing. But how do you stop compulsively using your phone?

How to do a digital detox?

The ideal thing is to make the most of your holiday to disconnect. Why not take advantage of these 2 weeks away to do it? Itā€™s not so easyā€¦ so here are some tips to disconnect in peace:

1. Turn off your notifications

Whatā€™s the main reason we look at our phones? The alerts! So go into your notification center and turn everything off, itā€™s the best way to be left in peace.

2. Delete the addictive apps

Sometimes we log on to Instagram without even thinking about it. Our finger automatically clicks on the app without us realizing it. So to avoid that, you need to delete social media during your digital detox. No app? No looking at it!

3. Find accommodation without Wi-Fi

Finding a place to rent in the middle of nowhere where thereā€™s no 4G also works! If the connection is bad or the Wi-Fi is nonexistent, you canā€™t be tempted, and youā€™re forced to disconnect.

4. Find things to do

Sometimes we find ourselves a bit bored without our phones. Boredom has its benefits, but a fortnight is a long time. So donā€™t hesitate to take a book, plan visits, see friends, etc. Perhaps itā€™s also the time to try out meditation activities to relax?

5. Get help

If you see that your digital detox is going badly and that youā€™re suffering from withdrawal, you should question your use of your smartphone. If you notice that itā€™s very difficult to go without, visit a health professional, such as a psychologist, who can help you get rid of this addiction.

Editorā€™s note: Find your freedom again

Phone addiction is like any other addiction that needs to be cured. If youā€™re unable to live without your smartphone for a few hours, itā€™s time to seek help to free yourself again.

šŸ¤— Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... Letā€™s do it here and now!

#BornToBeMe

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