In today’s connected world, many of us spend a significant portion of every day glued to a screen of one type or another.
Figures published by TechDay reveal that the average UK adult spends 76% – which equates to 13 hours and 2 minutes – of their waking hours online every day.
Whether you’re working remotely on your laptop, scrolling on your mobile phone, or staring at your office computer, this constant digital connectivity could have a detrimental effect on your mental health.
Read on to find out how digital detoxing could benefit your mental wellbeing and discover three practical tips for taking a screen break.
Being constantly digitally connected could negatively affect your mental wellbeing
Digital technology offers many advantages that previous generations could only dream of. There is a world of information, entertainment, and shopping at your fingertips.
What’s more, staying connected with your friends, family, and the global community might provide valuable support and enjoyment.
However, overusing digital devices could negatively affect your health and lifestyle. For example, if you never mentally switch off due to the constant information stream you receive, you might experience burnout. Alternatively, you may feel a dip in your self-esteem if you’re constantly comparing yourself to others online.
A digital detox could provide a valuable mental wellbeing “reset”
There is a growing awareness of the need for digital detoxing in our modern lives.
For example, a recent report by the Guardian highlighted a 24-hour digital detox event run in Amsterdam by the Offline Club, which is on a mission to “swap screen time for real time”. Since the company held its first in-person “digital detox hangout” in February, it has expanded into Paris, Dubai, and London.
The popularity of such movements is perhaps unsurprising when you consider the potential mental wellbeing benefits of a digital detox. These could include:
- Lower levels of stress and anxiety
- Improved sleep quality
- Better posture
- Increased productivity
- Healthier relationships
- Enhanced self-awareness and mindfulness.
Indeed, a 2023 study found that young adults who took part in a two-week social media detox reported improved sleep, satisfaction with life, stress, perceived wellness, and more supportive relationships.
3 helpful tips for digital detoxing
If you’re used to relying on digital devices for information, entertainment, shopping, and everything else in between, a digital detox might feel overwhelming.
So, here are some practical steps you can take to help you get started.
1. Set clear boundaries
You don’t have to go all in to reap the benefits of digital detoxing. Indeed, you might still need to check in with your devices for work or to stay connected with your family.
The key to creating a routine that you can stick to is to set realistic expectations and clear boundaries.
For example, you might designate parts of the day or specific events as “device-free”, such as during meals, or after a certain time at night. Alternatively, you could limit your non-essential screen time to a set number of hours each day.
You might often use digital devices unthinkingly, out of habit. So, establishing some ground rules could help you be more mindful about how and when you look at your screens.
2. Turn off non-essential notifications
According to research published by Workplace Insight, the average person in the UK receives 146 mobile phone notifications every day. This translates to one notification every 10 minutes on average.
That’s a lot of digital noise.
If you’re keen to reduce your screentime, consider carrying out a notifications “audit”. In other words, turn off any notifications that don’t serve you.
There’s a good chance you have some turned on accidentally or by default. Or perhaps something that you once needed to know about urgently, is now less important.
If you’re reluctant to turn off notifications completely, you could pause them during your device-free times and events.
3. Plan tech-free activities
If you have been spending 76% of your waking hours online each day, a digital detox could leave you with a lot of free time!
And as the saying goes, “the Devil finds work for idle hands”.
So, to reduce the risk of falling back into old habits and passing the time with doom-scrolling, plan some fun, tech-free activities.
You might find that digital detoxing opens the door to long-lost hobbies and exciting new ones. Fill your time with activities that bring you joy, whether that’s yoga, gardening, or simply relaxing in an armchair with a good book.
When you’re absorbed in other fun pursuits, you might find that you forget about your digital devices altogether.
Get in touch
Taking control of your finances could provide a welcome mental wellbeing boost. So, if you’d like to make good use of the extra time you have during a digital detox, we can help you review and update your financial plan.
Please get in touch. Email info@lloydosullivan.co.uk or call 020 8941 9779 to see how we can assist you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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