Is A Digital Detox The 'IT' Thing For Us Millenials Or Perhaps Everyone?

Technology is part of our lifestyles, whether you choose it or not. Whether you want to disregard it or not, it's still pretty much an evolving element in all our lives. But how do we screen detox, or even, how do we shut down our brains when we are constantly scrolling?

Hello Millenials... and I hope there's some Gen Z's reading this too because I'm going to get pretty real about their use of social media too...

Screen Detox Please?

Screen detox is or in other words a digital revamp is a temporary period of reducing oe eliminating the use of technology like our smartphones to our computers and even social media. This reduces the urge to consume mass information and ultimately vouches to reduce stress, improve our mental health and reduce our natural bodies calmness. It's like setting boundaries with your mobile or social media, exactly what we need in a world that thrives upon news and sensationalising every aspect of our day, ask a journalist though. Story of my life.

Imagine this, a picturesque scenic view of the maldivian sea, what on earth would you do on an exotic island if you didn't have social media. Wouldn't it be the perfect time to just relax, meditate and unwind, throwing all of life's problems away in the ocean? Well, you can do just that from the comfort of your own home in just a few steps.

Notice Your Usage

Stop hiding it. I'm pretty sure you will be embarassed about how many times you've scrolled through your social media while: waiting for the bus, waiting in a queue, at the airport or even running errands, yes you have! So just admit, and change the pattern.

Set One Healthy Intention

Now as it's a digital detox, I would personally set another healthy intention to do to replace the habit of scrolling. As easy as it sounds, it's probably harder to do, but it's not impossible einstein. For example, I make the intention to read a book, whether that's on my kindle or a physical book if you like the feel of it, personally I prefer a good old book. If your not a bookworm, you could try to do something else to stimulate your mind and keep it busy.

Turn Those Damn Notifications Off

Switch them off or on silent. So you don't see them. If you want to be really spontaneous you could switch off notifications to apps like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Or log out, simple.

Create A 'No Mobile' Zone

Pick 2 to 3 places or even times where your phone is off limits. People mainly tend to do this in the bedroom especially 1 hour before sleeping, which is a nice treat for your body to unwind. You could even try it at meals, so you can be consciously thinking about what you are eating and being thankful for all you have. Or a bonus one would be 30 minutes after waking up, now that's pretty awesome if you ask me.

Effective habits for a healthy body reset...

Replacing, Not Just Removing

While you still need to do everything you do in your day, it's nice to replace bad habits with good ones. So instead of scrolling you could journal in the evenings, you could sketch or even take a long walk around your neighbourhood, a good old podcast should also be good vibe, but remember to remove those notifications beforehand.

There's nothing a digital detox can't do, honestly it clears the mind and makes room for everything better.

Reflect...

At the end of it, take the time to sit with yourself and reflect. Do I feel less stressed? Am I sleeping better? What triggered unecessarily scrolling? You will honestly find the answers to all 3 of these questions and honestly you will feel better.

That's my millenial viewpoint but here's what a Gen Z will probably tell you:

A digital detox isn’t about quitting social media, it’s about learning to use apps like TikTok without letting them quietly take over your attention and mood.

I totally agree, it's all about balance. So choose a digital detox if you think you've been procrastinating more than doing what you need to finish off, understand, it's time for that impending detox.