Our lives have changed rapidly in the last few decades. Using smartphones and appliances, computers and the Internet is necessary, sometimes even exciting or convenient. But it’s also definitely exhausting.
Being constantly connected is killing us
Try to think of a day without your phone. The very idea will cause many people to panic if it were to be a normal working day.
In the morning, instead of an alarm clock, the mobile phone vibrates, the news is running at breakfast and we automatically reach for the display in the tram. You need to make use of the time, put your shopping in the online basket or choose a vacation. But apparent time savings exhaust us.
The digital environment draws us in without realizing it. Like it or not, we live in a world where being offline is almost suspect. There’s no need to beat yourself up over the fact that we live in fast times. But we can adapt so that it doesn’t destroy us.
Digital surge is part of the times
Thanks to the constant connection with the digital world, the brain cannot rest and is always on the alert. Each one notification, email or new message evokes a small dose of stress. Doesn’t help either information overloadwhich is slowly changing to a normal state. It also participates in digital overvoltage. It has negative influence to ours mentalbut also emotional state.
It’s not that we should reject technology. We just have to learn to dose them, just like coffee. This does not only apply to children, adults should regulate their behavior in exactly the same way.
Few of us live in complete disconnection. Work, communication and entertainment take place on the display. But that is precisely why it makes sense to look for small islands of peace that will remain only ours.
How to create digital peace
It’s not a strict detox, more about conscious breaks. try not to touch the phone for at least the first half hour. Let your brain rest for a while, have some tea, open the window. Start watching the world at work, not on social networks. Set a similar ritual in the evening as well.
The journey to work can be a small ritual. Instead of scrolling endlessly through news and short videos, observe the people, the weather, the colors of the city. Play music or just breathe.
You don’t have to meditate, spread your hands or go to the sea. Conscious breathing can be a part of your day, anytime and almost anywhere. Just stop, relax and breathe deeply.
Set clear goals with your family “offline” rules. No phones at the table, leave in another room or at least turn off Wi-Fi for the evening. Or set the phone to idle mode.
On trips, make taking pictures a joint activity, use maps or other applications, leave phones in bags and backpacks most of the time and perceive the surroundings, other participants or attend to your own thoughts. The meaning can also be explained well to older children if you don’t break their habits too much. Look for a viable solution. Also set a time when you will not disturb them and give them space to play and contact their friends. The rules should be fair to everyone.
The digital world is not the enemy
Technology is part of life today. The important thing is that they serve us, not the other way around. Small breaks in digital traffic help bring attention back to what’s happening here and now.
Even though the effort to reduce the use of screens is directed mainly at children, adults are not any better or more disciplined users in this case. Learn how to treat your surroundings with time, mental well-being and electronics.
