I was reading an article the other day about wellness trends for 2021. One of the trends caught my eye immediately: digital detox. About five years ago we opted to cut the cord and live life without cable. I thought this was going to be great, less TV and more of everything else. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Streaming devices and platforms have become too popular and growing. We don’t necessarily watch more, but we don’t watch less either.
Digital detoxes are a way to remove yourself from the ever elusive “screen time”. In addition to TV and/or streaming, screen time include phones, tablets, computers, gaming, etc… Like everything in life, moderation is the key.
Detox implies a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances or activities. A digital detox would be a time period of removing your self from digital devices. This could be a regular scheduled event or as needed. You could remove yourself from digital devices for a day, a weekend, or even a week.
As humans we are very habitual. We perform the same tasks day in and day out as part of our routine. This leads to autopilot. I am all for streamlining and having a consistent routine, but taking a break from that routine can also be very healthy. Think of digital detox as taking a vacation from the digital world.
5 Things to do while taking a Digital Detox:
- Go outside for a walk
- Play a board game
- Meditate
- Take a nap
- Relax
Our world offers constant stimulation from everywhere. It is perfectly alright to take some time away from this stimulation and just relax. Feel free to spend your digital detox alone, with family, or with friends. Just remember that you typically have a choice in the things that you are doing. Taking a digital detox is like telling your devices you are in control of them, not the other way around.
Dr Spencer Charlet
Mooresville Chiropractor
704-663-7625