Real life behind the screen: How digital detox will restore your peace of mind?

Nowadays, from the moment we open our eyes in the morning to the moment we go to bed at night, our lives seem to be controlled by a single screen. Checking notifications one after another, scrolling through the hours has become our ingrained habit. But have you ever thought about how this endless gadget addiction is taking away our peace of mind?

The only key to breaking free from this cycle is ‘Digital Detox’.

## What is Digital Detox?

Simply put, digital detox is voluntarily staying away from smartphones, laptops, social media and all kinds of digital devices for a specific period of time. It is not about giving up technology forever, but rather a conscious effort to reduce our over-reliance on technology and reconnect with real life.

## Real-life example: Arnab’s story

Many of us can probably relate to the life of Arnab, a 30-year-old software engineer.  Arnav spent his days on his laptop and phone screen. Even at the dining table or before going to bed at night, his phone would not leave his hand. After a few days, Arnav noticed that he was becoming extremely irritable, not sleeping properly at night and unable to concentrate on any work. On the advice of his doctor, he decided to do a 'digital detox'.

He made it a rule - to turn off his phone after 9 pm every day and not use any social media every Sunday of the week. For the first couple of days, he felt very uncomfortable, which in medical terms is called 'FOMO' (Fear of Missing Out). But after a week, Arnav felt a strange peace. He started reading books on Sundays after a long time, and talked with his mother over tea in the afternoon. In just two weeks, his sleep quality improved and his focus on work increased manifold. This real change in Arnav proves how effective digital detox is.

## How does it restore our mental peace?

1.  Reduce anxiety and stress: Social media newsfeeds force us to constantly compare our lives with others' lives in our subconscious. Staying away from devices reduces this artificial stress and calms the brain.

2. Deep and comfortable sleep: The blue light emitted from our phone screens prevents the body from producing the sleep hormone 'melatonin'. Putting the phone away at least an hour before going to bed can help with insomnia.

3. Increase focus and performance: The habit of checking phone notifications every now and then reduces our attention span. Digital detox helps our brains to focus deeply on a specific task for a long time.

4. Increase the depth of relationships: When we are engrossed in our phones even when we are with our loved ones, the distance in relationships increases. As a result of detox, we can participate in face-to-face conversations, which gives mental satisfaction.

## How to start your digital detox journey?

* Take small steps: You don't need to be without your phone for the whole day at the beginning.  Create a ‘no-phone zone’ every day during mealtimes and 1 hour before bed.

* Control notifications: Turn off notifications from unnecessary apps so that your phone doesn’t distract you.

* Find alternative hobbies: Develop a habit of reading, gardening, journaling, or hanging out with friends in person to reduce screen time.

Take a small step today. Turn off the screen for a while, look out the window, and breathe deeply. Don’t let technology control your life, take control of your life.