Picture this: It’s a typical day in the life of a university student. You wake up, check your phone for messages, attend classes, complete assignments on your laptop, and unwind with some good old scrolling. Screens are our constant companions, right?
The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Mental Health
Excessive screen time can creep into our lives without us even noticing. Personally, I’ve experienced restless nights, scrolling through feeds, and felt a growing sense of anxiety and disconnection as a result of excessive screen time. Digital fatigue, that feeling of mental exhaustion after hours of screen use, can creep in unnoticed. It’s hard to ignore the constant stream of perfectly posed content that floods my feed, making me question if I’m measuring up. And let’s not forget the physical toll—my screen often keeps me glued to my seat, reducing physical activity.
Time for Change
A Digital Detox is going a period of time without using any digital devices. I thought I wouldn’t survive one! Not only did I survive, I felt mentally refreshed afterwards. I began with a simple commitment: going without my phone for two hours a day at first, then for an entire day! My first digital detox was hard, I would unconsciously reach for my phone in the middle of a task, but my productivity shot up, that was the motivator itself.
How I try to implement a Digital Detox
Implementing a digital detox can be transformative. Here’s what works for me:
- Setting Clear Boundaries – I set dedicated times to be screen-free, especially during meals and the hour before bedtime. I step away from my computer, stretch, take a brief walk, read a book, or put my time and energy in a new hobby, for me that’s crocheting.
- Digital Free Mornings – I’ve discovered that beginning my day without immediately reaching for my phone sets a positive tone. The night before, I intentionally place my phone far from my bed. This way, I have to get out of bed to turn off my alarm and can start my day right away. This habit
has made me feel significantly less lethargic in the morning. - Phone Free Day – Once a week I set my phone aside for the whole day. I find this opens up so much time in my day and I get so much accomplished!
- One Screen at a Time – When I’m attempting to get work done, I try to make it a habit to avoid reaching for my phone as much as I can. This is because once I get distracted it takes a lot more effort to focus again.
Join me on this journey to find balance in the digital age. Share any tips you have for going phone-free in the comments below!
References:
lbaquero. (2021, January 25). Managing Digital Fatigue | How to Balance the Benefits & Struggles of the
Digital Day-to-Day | BDO Lixar. Retrieved October 12, 2023, from BDO Lixar website: Managing Digital Fatigue | How to Balance the Benefits & Struggles of the Digital Day-to-Day | BDO Lixar
