Article Library Video Library Definitions

Digital Detox: Take a Break and Feel Refreshed

Author

Lee Health

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Lee Health

Posted on

Mar 22, 2021

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

Email US

Click to Email Us

We use it to find directions, Snapchat our friends, and even buy stuff. There is no doubt that smartphones have become a way of life .In fact, your phone is probably within reaching distance right now.
But 24/7 access to news outlets and social media networks not to mention endless messaging from friends and co-workers bombard our brains with overwhelming amounts of information.
This constant stimulus may leave us feeling anxious, fatigued, isolated, and even depressed making a new term digital detox essential to our mental and emotional health.
What is digital detox, anyway? Digital detox is an agreed upon period of time where individuals, companies, families, or other groups pledge to put down their phones and step away from their computers so they can concentrate on conversation, activities, learning new skills, and just generally being more aware of the concrete world around them .Experts from the official movement have been busy giving presentations and speaking engagements all over the country, and others are starting to join in on a smaller scale.
We all need a technological detox, writes Evan Sutter in his book Solitude: How Doing Nothing Can Change the World. An author and social entrepreneur, Sutter speaks on topics like mindfulness, meaning, and fulfillment.
We need to throw away our phones and computers instead of using them as our pseudo-defense system for anything that comes our way, Sutter says. We need to be bored and not have anything to use to shield the boredom away from us. We need to be lonely and see what it is we really feel when we are.As Sutter suggests, technology quickly becomes a crutch and a temporary diversion from real emotions. This attempt to escape, though, actually makes us more vulnerable to mental health issues.
If we continue to distract ourselves so we never have to face the realities in front of us, when the time comes and you are faced with something bigger than what your phone, food, or friends can fix, you will be in big trouble, Sutter says.
Are we addicted? Unable to function without mobile devices, our dependency is often compared to an addiction. In her article, "Why We're All Addicted to Texts, Twitter and Google", Susan Weinschenk, Ph.D., points out that dopamine the same chemical released in our brain when we gamble, eat, or have sex is also released when we use our smartphones. Texts from a new crush, comments on our selfie, or phone calls from a friend all tap into our brains reward system.
Want to talk to someone right away? Send a text and they respond in a few seconds. Want to look up some information? Just type your request into Google. Want to see what your colleagues are up to? Go to LinkedIn, Weinschenk says.
That dopamine loop gets you seeking, looking for rewards, and seeking some more. It becomes harder and harder to stop looking at email, stop texting, or stop checking your cell phone to see if you have a message or a new text, she says.
You can see why a detox isn't always that simple. But we have to start somewhere. Try these small and realistic changes :Stop using your phone as an alarm. Instead, use a real alarm clock. Its just as handy and can help you stay off your mobile device before bed.
Turn off notifications. Do you really need Twitter and Facebook updates throughout the day? Monitor the amount of time you spend on your device. Apps like Screen Time and Digital Wellbeing can help you control your daily usage. Set a reasonable time frame and stick to it. Maybe only one hour on your phone after dinner? Try a morning routine without any technology. Start with just a couple of times a week. Stick to one device at a time don't use your phone while watching TV, using an iPad, or computer.
Try not to revert to your phone in awkward social situations. And don't check your texts while in the middle of a conversation. Above everything else: Make sure you aren't answering a quick text or using the web when you drive.
Countless benefits await! There are countless benefits waiting for you once you decrease your screen time perhaps the most crucial being more restful sleep, says Gloria Reilly, Health Services Coordinator at Lee Health. The artificial blue light that our phones emit causes a disturbance in our circadian rhythm, the natural cycle that unites our behaviors with the functions of nature. Instead of staring at a screen before and after sleep, try rising with the natural blue light of the sky by taking a walk in the morning to absorb those wake up rays get your body going and boost your happiness! For a bedtime ritual, Gloria recommends ditching the social media binge and trying a deep breathing technique with essential oil aromatherapy to easily tune into your natural sleep cycle.
A break from technology allows us to re-evaluate unhealthy habits and identify where we can cut out its unnecessary use. It also empowers us to live fully in the present moment, self-reflect, and slow down to enjoy life.
Submitted and Written By: Lee Health - click here for more information

Digital Detox: Take a Break and Feel Refreshed

Other Articles You May Like

Our hearts are dedicated to yours

At Lee Health, you have everything you need to take care of your heart health. Our expert cardiovascular team is the largest and most experienced in Southwest Florida. No matter where you are in your health care journey, our experts are alongside you every step of the way. Lee Health Heart Institute includes primary and specialty care, nationally ranked hospitals, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, cardiac rehabilitation and moreall in a safe and comforting environment. Were ready to help you stay active, engaged and prepared to enjoy the important things in life.The Lee Health Heart Institute is nationally recognized for excellence in cardiovascular care. HealthPark Medical Center has been recognized as a PINC AI I Fortune 50 Top Cardiology Hospital in the country and 1 of only 6 hospitals recognized in Florida and the only hospital in Southwest Florida underscoring Lee Healths commitment to exceptional cardiovascular care and medical excellence in the region. The Lee Health Heart Institute ranks 9th in the nation and top 3 in Florida through its PINC designation. Our dedication to advancing heart health is evident through ongoing clinical trials, published research, and 11 abstracts presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions. Heart Institute Locations Near YouThe Heart Institute incorporates cardiovascular services, cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery. Locate Lee Health Heart Institute clinics near you for convenient locations including experienced cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and more. Dedicated cardiovascular health to patients located minutes from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Lehigh Acres, Estero, and Bonita Springs.Cardiothoracic Surgery - Heart Institute at Shipley Cardiothoracic Center9981 S HealthPark Dr, Suite 156 Fort Myers, FL 33908Phone number(239) 343-6341 Cardiology - Heart Institute at Bass Road16261 Bass Rd, Suite 300 Fort Myers, FL 33908Phone number(239) 343-6410Cardiology - Heart Institute at Cape Coral Hospital708 Del Prado Blvd, Suite 7 Cape Coral, FL 33990Phone number(239) 424-3660Cardiology - Heart Institute at Coconut Point23450 Via Coconut Point Estero, FL 34135Phone number(239) 468-0121Cardiology - Heart Institute at Medical Plaza One9800 S HealthPark Dr, Suite 320 Fort Myers, FL 33908Phone number(239) 343-6350Cardiology - Heart Institute at Metro Parkway13340 Metro Pkwy, Suite 200 Fort Myers, FL 33966Phone number(239) 343-0550Cardiology - Heart Institute at Sanctuary8960 Colonial Center Dr, Suite 302 Fort Myers, FL 33905Phone number(239) 343-9700

National Cancer Survivors Month

June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate, support, and raise awareness about cancer survivorship.There are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S.Statistics from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) project that the number will grow to 26 million by 2040.More than 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025.The NCI projects that an estimated 618,120 people in the U.S. will die from the disease in 2025.Be a part of the NCA Difference and support our mission of improving the care of cancer patients through our no-cost second-opinion services. Your support helps improve patient outcomes and peace of mind!

Tips for Managing Sentimental Items During Senior Moves

Tips for Managing Sentimental Items During Senior MovesHelping Seniors Let Go with Grace, Love, and SupportMoving is never just about the boxes. For seniors, its often about leaving behind decades of memories, milestones, and meaningful items collected over a lifetime. Each photograph, teacup, and holiday ornament tells a story. And when its time to downsize, those items become more than stuffthey become emotional touchpoints.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand that moving a senior is more than a physical transition. Its a deeply personal and emotional journey. Families often find this part of the move to be the most challengingnavigating the emotions wrapped around keepsakes, gifts, and family treasures.Heres a loving and simple guide to help families and seniors navigate this sensitive part of the move with dignity, compassion, and peace of mind.Understanding the Emotional Value Behind Sentimental ItemsIts not about the object. Its about what it represents.One of the most difficult tasks seniors face when moving is choosing what to keep and what to let go of. The value of sentimental items isnt measured in dollarsits in the memories and emotions they hold.At A Call to Order, we always start with understanding. Listen to the stories. That vintage cookie jar might remind mom of her childrens laughter, or that faded armchair may have been dads favorite reading spot. Validating these emotions builds trust and makes the next step easier.Here are a few gentle strategies we use to help:1. Start Early, Start SmallGive your loved one plenty of time. Begin with items that carry less emotional weight, like extra kitchenware or linens. Building momentum with easy decisions can prepare the heart for tougher choices.2. Use the One Box RuleLimit sentimental keepsakes to one memory box or trunk. This makes it easier to prioritize what truly matters. Choosing with intention helps seniors feel more in control and less overwhelmed.3. Digitize What You CanScanning letters, photos, or childrens artwork is a wonderful way to preserve memories without the physical bulk. Its a beautiful project that can even become a family bonding activity.4. Create a Legacy, Not a Storage UnitEncourage seniors to share their cherished items with children, grandchildren, or close friends. Write a note with each gift explaining why its special. Turning sentimental items into heirlooms ensures theyll be treasured, not just stored.Supporting Seniors with Love and StructureWith the right support, letting go can feel like giving, not losing.Helping a senior downsize means stepping into their emotional world. Our work is rooted in compassion, patience, and professionalismand thats what sets senior move managers apart. Families no longer want fast; they want gentle and thoughtful transitions.Heres how to create a supportive environment for decision-making:1. Set Clear Goals, Not DeadlinesIts not just a move; its a life transition. Respect the time it takes to process memories. Set daily or weekly goals instead of strict timelines, and celebrate every milestonebig or small.2. Use a Sorting System That Feels EmpoweringWe often recommend a four-pile method: Keep, Donate, Gift, and Recycle. This gives seniors control over the destination of their belongings, which helps reduce anxiety and fosters a sense of purpose.3. Make Space for ReflectionMoving can stir up grief. Allow time for tears and stories. Encourage loved ones to journal, share memories, or even record video messages about the items theyre parting with.4. Ask for HelpSometimes, professional help makes all the difference. Our team at A Call to Order specializes in compassionate organizing and senior move management. Were not just organizerswere listeners, supporters, and gentle guides through lifes biggest transitions.In Closing: Its About Holding On to What Matters MostHelping a senior manage sentimental items during a move is about love. Its about honoring their past while helping them embrace a lighter, more peaceful future. At A Call to Order, we walk beside families every step of the waybecause we believe a move can be a moment of connection, not stress.Let us help you and your loved ones make space for what truly matterswith kindness, patience, and care. Ready to get started with a heart-centered move?Visit www.acalltoorderco.com or call us at 719-231-5425.Your story mattersand were here to help you tell it, one organized step at a time.FOLLOW USLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrderInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/

View Details

Lee Health - Health & Help Lines

Health & Help Lines , Fort Myers, Florida,

Lee Health is a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Florida, offering award-winning care and comprehensive services to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our mission is to provide quality service with personal attention, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.At Lee Health, we understand that finding the right care can be overwhelming. That's why we offer a range of services, from in-person care to virtual visits, urgent care, and emergency care, to ensure that you can access the care you need, when you need it. Our team of experienced physicians and specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to each and every patient.In addition to our clinical services, Lee Health is committed to providing resources and support to our community. Through our learning center, blog, and webinars, we strive to educate and empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness.As part of our commitment to excellence, Lee Health is currently conducting an evaluation of our business structure to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards of quality and efficiency. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our services, find a doctor, and discover how Lee Health can help you and your family live healthier lives.

View Details