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

The Importance of Social Interaction for Seniors and How to Facilitate It

Social interaction is a cornerstone of health and well-being, particularly for seniors. Engaging in social activities can significantly impact their mental, emotional, and physical health. This post aims to underscore the importance of socializing your parents or elderly loved ones and provide practical suggestions for encouraging meaningful social engagement.Research has consistently shown that seniors who maintain active social lives enjoy numerous health benefits, including reduced risks for chronic diseases, lower blood pressure, and decreased rates of depression and anxiety. Social interactions can also play a critical role in preserving cognitive function, thereby potentially delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimers disease.However, fostering social connections for seniors can sometimes be challenging. Mobility issues, health conditions, and the loss of peers can make it difficult for them to maintain their social networks. Here are several ways to help your elderly loved ones stay connected and engaged:Leverage Community Events: Many communities offer events tailored to seniors, such as exercise classes, art workshops, and social clubs. Encourage your loved ones to participate in these activities, which can be great opportunities to meet peers with similar interests.Embrace Technology: Online platforms and social media can be invaluable for seniors, allowing them to connect with friends and family members despite physical distances. Introducing your parents to simple-to-use apps and devices can open up a world of interaction.Encourage New Friendships: Help your elderly loved ones find new social circles by encouraging them to join clubs or groups based on their interests. Whether its a book club, a gardening group, or a cooking class, these activities can provide both a sense of community and a chance to learn something new.Volunteer Together: Volunteering is not only a way to give back but also a powerful method for socializing. Engaging in volunteer work allows seniors to feel connected to their communities and provides a sense of purpose.Schedule Regular Visits: Regular visits from family members, friends, or caregivers can significantly boost a seniors mood and sense of belonging. Even short, frequent visits can make a big difference in their overall well-being.Facilitating social interaction for seniors is about creating opportunities for connection and ensuring they have the support needed to engage with their community. By prioritizing social activities and leveraging resources both offline and online, we can help enrich the lives of our elderly loved ones, contributing to their happiness and health. If you have any questions, please contact AmazingCare at 303-755-3170.

Discovery Senior Living Launches First-of-Its-Kind The Disappearing Mind Podcast Addressing Need for Trusted Brain Health & Dementia Resources

Project Update - Immokalee Complete Streets

PROJECT UPDATE IMOKALEE COMPLETE STREETS TIGER GRANT DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT JUNE 2025PROJECT UPDATEThe Immokalee Complete Streets Project is finished and includes new sidewalks and drainage along miles of local streets. In addition to the sidewalks, the project included reconstruction of many existing residential driveways and improvements to the drainage swale along your property line within the Collier County Right-of-Way (ROW).We need to work together to keep these new sidewalks and drainage improvements in good condition. Please do your part to help maintain the improvements by complying with the existing codes which require property owners to assume all maintenance and repair responsibilities within the Collier County ROW. These responsibilities include mowing the grass and protecting the sidewalk and driveway from damage.We are requesting your help to maintain these improvements including: Drainage cutting the grass within the swale is very important because it will allow the drainage system to function. Picking up the litter before you mow will also keep the community clean. Pedestrian Safety do not park on the sidewalks, it is against the law and blocks the safe passage of children and adults. Heavy trucks and equipment can damage the sidewalk. The construction of sidewalks is expensive, and your help is needed to maintain them. Please remember it is illegal to park on a sidewalk. Both the Collier County Sheriffs Office and the Collier County Code Enforcement Division are monitoring to encourage voluntary compliance. Citations will be issued if the law is broken. It is the property owners responsibility to assure that all your visitors, tenants, and family members obey the law. You, as the property owner, are responsible for maintaining the driveway and ROW.If you rent your property, please inform your tenants of this information. As a landlord, you are responsible for providing your tenants with this information.We hope you enjoy the improvements along the county roadways and please continue to assist your neighbors as we work to improve the health and safety of our community.For more information about the project, please contact: CHRISTIE BETANCOURT ASSISTANT DIVISION DIRECTOR COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) Email: Christie.Betancourt@colliercountyfl.gov Phone: (239) 867-0028 IMMOKALEE CRA Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency

View Details

Lee Health - Lymphedema Therapist

Lymphedema Therapist , 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