Disconnecting from technology can help you reconnect with yourself and the people around you, leading to more genuine interactions and experiences. Step 5 of our Ten Ways to Feel More Connected in Your Life focuses on how important it is to set aside time to better understand our wants and needs without the interference of our electronics. Indigenous wisdom can teach us the importance of disconnecting from the noise of modern life to reconnect with our deeper selves and the natural world. As said in Step Two: Practice Mindfulness, “While in nature, and with the abandonment of distractions such as our phones, our typical worries can begin to feel more insignificant.” Digital detoxes can help you regain mental clarity, reduce stress, and strengthen your connection with the people and environment around you.
Using our electronics too much can lead to a dependency on said electronics. It can lead to a sleep deficit, worsen concentration and focus, exacerbate stress, increase feelings of loneliness and insecurity, impair relationships, and even bring on psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Research has shown us that persistent phone use can disrupt GABA production. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is our brain’s inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces a calming effect and stops chemical messages from passing from nerve cell to nerve cell. A disruption to our GABA production can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mood disorders. There are currently no screen time guidelines for adults as everyone has different needs, especially in an age where much of our social capital stems from online connections. This is why a digital detox and imposing a screen time limit based on your life can help you reconnect with yourself and gain a deeper insight into your habits.
A digital detox is a great way to reconnect with yourself and your needs. There are also benefits to taking a break from our electronics. A digital detox can help improve our mental health by elevating your mood and lessening stress and anxiety. Using electronics before bed has been known to interfere with sleep. Limiting our screen time a few hours before sleeping is a great way to not only reduce our electronic use but also improve our sleep quality. This can help you sleep better and prevent nighttime awakenings. Turning off screens helps with concentration and helps to finish tasks quicker. Limiting screen time can also improve our relationships. Designating specific areas of your house, such as at the dining table or the bedroom, as tech-free can promote deeper conversations with family members and help you spend unobstructed quality time with those you love. By putting away our phones and computers more often, we can free up time to make better connections with others and ourselves, making way for a more enriched life!
A digital detox can help you develop a more meaningful routine and become more conscious of your harmful online habits.
- Set specific times for checking social media.
- Take breaks from screens throughout the day.
- Engage in offline activities like reading or puzzles.
How to digital detox:
First, decide on a weekend that works for you and commit to turning off all digital devices—no smartphones, tablets, or computers. Use this time to engage in offline activities like reading a book, hiking, or spending quality time with loved ones. You’ll find that disconnecting from the digital world allows you to reconnect with yourself and those around you, fostering deeper relationships and a greater sense of presence.
We at OneNature understand how important it is to take time to unplug and connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and nature. We believe that the well-being of all beings, humans, animals, and ecosystems- is deeply interconnected. That’s why we feel taking time away from our screens is vital to leading a happy and fulfilling life.