Benefits of Taking a Break from Technology
Benefits of Taking a Break from Technology
Every day technology bombards us. Our phones distract us from the present moment with our family and friends. They don’t give us a break from communication with the outside world and keep our brains buzzing. We carry our phones with us everywhere we go and rationalize that we need it for work or school. Therefore, we never really get a break from work and our professional and personal lives collide. This article presents the benefits of taking a break from technology.
Mental Health Benefits
The mental health benefits of taking a break from technology are abundant. Taking time to disconnect reduces stress and anxiety. Your brain needs a break from constant notifications from social media, texts, and emails. Unplugging allows you to live in the present moment and give your full attention to friends and family.
Disconnecting from technology also lessens feelings of depression caused by the “perfect” lives and people we see on social media. Technology and social media filter out the ugly so that we only see what people want us to see. When we compare ourselves and lives with others, it only leads to jealousy and discontent.
Physical Health Benefits
One of the major health benefits of taking a break from technology is improved sleep. Phones, computers, and tablets emit a blue light, which according to the CDC, can make it difficult to fall asleep at night or can cause you to wake up early. This occurs because blue-light inhibits the body’s natural production of melatonin – the hormone that helps you sleep. Sleep Foundation.org recommends unplugging 30-60 minutes before bed. If you do this and still have trouble falling asleep, try DREAMit. This sleep solution contains melatonin and other natural ingredients to help you rest well.
Disconnecting from technology also gives you more time to go outside and stay active. Our bodies are not meant to say hunched over a screen for long periods of time. The time you don’t spend on your phone gives you more time to invest in your physical health.
