Digital Detox: Why digital breaks are crucial for mental clarity
A huge flood of information and the constant struggle for attention: the digital world stimulates our minds enormously. This is why digital breaks are so important.
Our world is shaped by digital impulses. The need for mental clarity is becoming more and more important. The constant flow of information, notifications and visual stimuli takes a toll on our mental health. It is therefore no surprise that the digital detox trend is finding more and more followers.
In the midst of web information and social media, it is becoming increasingly necessary to consciously take digital breaks. Because less screen time helps us relax and promote mental clarity.
But modern lifestyles are characterized by constant availability and can easily lead to mental overload. Digital Detox is freedom from the constant need to be present online . We allow ourselves to perceive our surroundings more consciously again and to immerse ourselves in the physical world. This also strengthens the connection to one's own self.
Digital breaks offer space for creative development. Without the constant pressure of seeing or producing the latest viral trends. It allows creativity to blossom again and allows us to sink deeply into our own thoughts and develop innovative ideas. This freedom for creative development is essential for personal growth and intellectual freshness.
Constant availability and social media are distracting
When you consume social media, you sometimes quickly lose track of time. Scrolling through the news feed or videos often takes a few hours. Many people especially like to do this in bed in the evening before going to sleep. Aside from the fact that blue light prevents us from producing enough melatonin (sleep hormone) and makes it harder to fall asleep, the distraction also causes us to sleep much later than we want.
But constant availability also makes us unfocused. Important work is interrupted to briefly check the notification or answer a call. To avoid this, there are already some free apps that prevent notifications during the set time.
Talk to people - direct and real
Digital Detox promotes interpersonal relationships. It opens up space for personal conversations, real connections and emotional intimacy. Full attention is given. And that shows appreciation. Because: What do most people do when they meet one or more people and sit down at the table? Most people probably put their phone on the table first.
But what does this action suggest to the other person? He or she is not the most important thing for us at the moment. There could be something more important - namely a notification or a call. It shows that you are not ready to give the person your full attention.
Digital Detox increases self-confidence
Although social media has long been part of our society and has good qualities in many ways, there is one crucial problem: the constant comparison with other (often strangers) people. Young people in particular are at great risk here. Trendy outfits, slim and sporty figures or even “instagrammable” facial features often lead to debts, illnesses such as bulimia or even cosmetic corrections. Social media is full of beautiful, young people who seem to easily make a lot of money and live like millionaires. Often it is only appearances that are deceptive. But this is not so easy to recognize.
Self-doubt and even depression can arise. And the pressure on large content creators is often high. Because content has to be created constantly - and always in the usual good quality. Bad days are ignored. Digital breaks help us get away from thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not beautiful” and strengthen our self-confidence. Because these thoughts are wrong and most ideals of beauty are more similar to you than you think.
Digital detox doesn't mean banishing your phone and isolating yourself from the digital world. Rather, it's about consciously and selectively taking digital breaks. This could mean setting aside specific times for screen breaks or making conscious decisions about when and how to use social media.
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