Yesterday, I blogged about confronting my digital addictions and today I would like to share the benefits of doing so. After that, I will share which benefit has already started to kick in. With that said, let’s dive right in.
Confronting digital addictions can lead to numerous benefits, both for your mental and physical well-being. Here are some key advantages:
1. Improved Mental Health
- Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Excessive screen time, particularly on social media, can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Reducing usage can alleviate these symptoms.
- Better Sleep: Cutting down on screen time, especially before bed, can improve sleep quality as screens emit blue light that can interfere with sleep patterns.
2. Enhanced Physical Health
- Reduced Eye Strain: Less screen time means less strain on your eyes, reducing the risk of conditions like digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome.
- Better Posture and Less Pain: Reducing screen time can help improve posture and reduce back and neck pain associated with prolonged sitting and screen use.
3. Improved Productivity and Focus
- Increased Attention Span: By addressing digital addiction, you can enhance your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks without the constant distraction of notifications.
- Higher Productivity: Less time spent on digital devices means more time available for productive activities, whether work-related or personal projects.
4. Better Relationships
- Improved Communication: Reducing screen time can lead to better face-to-face interactions and more meaningful conversations with family and friends.
- Quality Time: Spending less time on digital devices allows for more quality time spent with loved ones, fostering stronger relationships.
5. Enhanced Self-Esteem and Body Image
- Reduced Social Comparison: Social media can often lead to unhealthy comparisons with others. Reducing usage can help decrease these comparisons and improve self-esteem.
- Better Self-Perception: Focusing less on digital portrayals of perfection can lead to a more realistic and positive self-view.
6. Greater Enjoyment of Life
- More Time for Hobbies: With less time spent on digital devices, you have more time to engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy, leading to a more fulfilling life.
- Increased Presence: Being less preoccupied with digital devices allows you to be more present and enjoy the moment.
7. Enhanced Cognitive Function
- Better Memory: Reduced screen time can help improve memory and cognitive function, as excessive screen time has been linked to cognitive decline.
- Increased Creativity: Engaging in offline activities can stimulate creativity and critical thinking skills.
8. Financial Savings
- Reduced Spending: Cutting down on digital usage can reduce the temptation to make impulsive online purchases, leading to financial savings.
9. Environmental Benefits
- Lower Energy Consumption: Reducing screen time can also contribute to lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint.
Confronting digital addictions involves setting boundaries and finding a balance that allows you to enjoy the benefits of technology without becoming overly reliant on it.
As I put away my internet devices such as my iPhone and MacBook Air, I shared my commitment with my wife. It was obvious that during the last few months, my tendency to go to sleep with the iPhone or working late on the MacBook Air did not benefit our marriage. We hardly talked with each other anymore. But yesterday we discussed and agreed that the habit of having no internet time is beneficial for both of us. Socializing as it is supposed to be like was on the table again, while keeping the distractions of the internet away.
Additionally, as I put my internet devices away, I started to pay attention to our house and began clearing up clutter. In the morning after we woke up, I didn’t grab my smartphone to check messages or browse Instagram. I started to clear up our futon, tidy up the spaces, and get my yoga mat ready. Also, I sat down in our engawa, observing the garden and pondering what I will do in the garden and what I want to accomplish for the day. The difference was already stark after just one evening and morning of not looking at the internet. I started to get back on track with things that really mattered. Browsing endlessly on the internet is quite a waste of time unless I do something productive, such as writing this blog or creating video content.
I wonder if I am the only one who experiences the benefits of having no internet time. While I commit myself to be offline from 9 pm to 10 am, I already wondered what more benefits would come from being offline from 6 pm to 10 am. If I manage to keep away from the internet from 9 pm to 10 am, I could dedicate myself to staying offline from 6 pm to 10 am too.
While I never watch TV, I thought about using my offline time to read books, which I used to do every day. Ever since I started to walk Chappie in the mornings, I stopped picking up my reading sessions. This offline commitment should allow me to pick up my reading sessions in the evening so that my wife and I don’t have to forcefully talk with each other. There should always be a balance, at least that’s how I see it.
This shift also leads me towards better time management because committing to a time frame where I can be online between 10 am to 6 pm will shift me towards using my internet time more efficiently, focusing on productive activities instead of wasting time browsing aimlessly. Currently, I am posting my daily blog before dinner time, which is a good feeling once my daily post has been published. There’s no need to open my MacBook Air anymore after dinner.
#DigitalDetox #MindfulLiving #HealthyHabits #OfflineTime #QualityConnections #BalanceInTheDigitalAge
Experiences - Life - Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵 
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