19 Jun 5 Reasons Why You Need To Digital Detox Your Life Now

5 Reasons Why You Need To Digital Detox Your Life Now

What’s the first thing you reach for when you wake up in the morning? How many times do you pick up your phone and almost mindlessly scrolling through your social feeds? Are you checking your emails while sitting on the bus on your way to work? Isn’t it funny how times have changed over the last years? We think it’s time for a digital detox.

Nowadays you hardly see anyone without headphones on and their head buried into their phones doing things. Our mobile phone has become a constant companion. We are reachable 24/7 – we are always on. It’s not only our phone addiction that we would need detoxing from once in a while.

Netflix binge over the weekend, anyone? That was us!

Our daily lives revolve around screens, big and small. It’s time to unplug and detox from digital devices once in a while.

You know all about the health benefits of the latest juice detox, so let’s get you up to scratch why a digital one might be just what you are craving right now. The benefits outweigh the first withdrawals, we promise…

You will be happier and calmer. 

There have been thousands of social experiments where people have taken a break from technology, and the participants are almost always surprised to find themselves less stressed because of it. When you’re still on your phone or absorbed in your emails, you’re not living in the present.

Try taking a walk without your phone. You look at your surroundings instead of your screen. Once your phone or tablet isn’t buzzing or vibrating in your hand or pocket every few seconds, you begin breathing deeper and being less on edge. You relax and slow down. Plus, you might strike up a conversation with a stranger that might become a friend.

You’ll be more productive.

A lot of the time, you’re mindlessly checking your social media and scrolling through your friend’s travel pics. We hardly ever directly respond to messages or even connect with others by calling and talking to them. Detoxing from technology will show just how much time you waste on it. It’s worthwhile checking your phone’s screen time overview to gauge how much time you are spending being productive vs just browsing online. Is it a surprise or a shock? Spending time off socials might even spark some great ideas for your next project or travel adventure. Try it out for yourself!

Your relationships will be healthier.

Your social connections in real life can take a back seat, while you’re stuck in the virtual space. In Australia, 43% of people who are in a relationship believe their partner uses their phone too much, and 70% admit to using their phone during mealtimes with family or friends. We all know that person who doesn’t get off their phone when out with family or friends. Don’t be that person! Next time, try to create the no phone rule so that no one can check their socials during your get together. You will be surprised how deep you can connect when everyone is present 100%.

Your physical health will improve.

You’re glued to the screen sitting, slouching or lying down. In Australia, a growing number of people are obese, partly because of a lifestyle tied to the couch staring at a screen. Being glued to a screen is also not beneficial to your waistline, it’s also potentially impacting your lower back and neck. Tech-neck has become a thing these days, by hunching over your phone or staring into a work computer for extended periods.

Unplug, go outside and get moving. You will feel so much better afterwards. Now is the time to take up running again or take that yoga class you always wanted to do.

If you do have to be in front of a screen, at least do it as a means for supporting the physical exercise. With Yogaholics, you can even practice yoga in the comfort of your living room – all you have to do is leave your sofa and roll out your mat. It does wonders to your body and your soul.

Your sleep will improve a lot.

We all are guilty of scrolling on our phones just before settling in for good night sleep. You don’t need to worry; you are in good company — 46% of people in Australia are using their phone immediately before going to bed. A quick 30 minutes scroll turns into 2 hours in the blink of an eye. All your intentions and calculations about how much time you need to sleep go out the window.

Your body knows it’s time to sleep, your brain releases a chemical called melatonin. It helps the body relax and prepare for sleep. Science has shown that when you look at a screen before bedtime, you trick your brain into thinking it must remain alert and awake — therefore preventing melatonin from being released.

Tonight, declare your bedroom a no-tech zone and diffuse some lavender oil before you drift off to sleep instead. You might be pleasantly surprised at the difference it makes.

These five reasons to digital detox your life sounds pretty compelling.  Anne Lammott’s quote sums it up in the best way “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Play around with some time away from your screens and see if you feel the difference for yourself.

Craving more time to re-connect with yourself? Join us this November on our upcoming Uncover & Tranform retreat in beautiful Bali. Immerse yourself in daily yoga and learning the wisdom of yogic philosophy all while getting some much-deserved “me-time.” The daily schedule includes not only yoga but also meditation, workshops and inspiring community activities. You’ll make friends, journey together, laugh and love. Leave this week feeling strong, inspired and with a renewed passion for life. Join Duncan Peak and the senior  Power Living crew for a journey of radical self-discovery, learning and transformation. Sign up here and get ready to be transformed.

But why to wait, let’s start now – switch off your phone, go out into nature or roll out your mat!

Get in some time for yourselves, yogis!

Original article by Beyond Blue