Does excessive screen time take a toll on cognitive function? Is it disrupting your mental health? That’s probably why the ‘Digital Detox‘ campaign is run everywhere to save people from the harmful effects of screen exposure. It’s time for an unbiased discussion on this topic!

Digital media has made a significant contribution to the world by connecting through smart mobile phones, tablets, social media, and televisions. The inclusion of these technologies into daily lives has a great impact in both positive and negative ways.

Slowly, we are moving towards digital work with endless access to entertainment, communication, and information from all over. They’re hindering normal brain functioning by causing unwanted distractions in numerous ways. The way it helps us in working and connecting with the world is impressive, but what about the downsides?

Let’s shed more light on the importance of ‘Digital Detox!’

How Screen Time Affects Mental Functioning?

In the race to ace the relationship with the latest technology, we’re hampering our brain function to a great extent. Digital Detox can be a way for screens and digital devices to unwind for a while and live in the real world. It comprises disconnecting from the virtual world to bring down the negative effects of screen exposure on your brain health. We shall also discuss the proactive steps to deal with this.

Ill-effects of Screen Time on Brain Health!

While technology is improving our lives, it is also creating complexity for our brains, leading to challenges such as:

• Stress and Anxiety: Excessive screen exposure, mainly to social media, results in the building of stress levels. One starts by making random comparisons to the ideal life of others portrayed on social media. It leads to the feeling of anxiety or emptiness around.
• Depression: There has been a notable surge in cases of depression due to full-time access to the digital world. Young people mainly counter the feeling of isolation due to excessive screen time, which acts as the main factor of concern.
• Disturbance in Sleep: Blue light emissions from mobile or TV screens post-evening are related to disrupted sleeping patterns. It suppresses melatonin production, which is a sleep hormone. It leads to various types of mood disorders, causing mental health problems.
• Reduced Physical Activity: People spending the maximum chunk of their time in front of screens tend to stay less physically active. It results in a sedentary lifestyle that negatively impacts both mental and physical health.
• Addictive Behaviour: Obsession with the internet or social media can also cause addictive behavior in people. This compels people to remain online all the time.
• Reduced Attention: Screen time keeps you struck on notifications or any online data coming to you. It causes difficulty focusing on single tasks and even hampers working memory.
• Impairment of Decision-Making: Loading the brain with more than the required information makes it trickier to make the right decisions and analyze complex situations.
• Changes in Brain Plasticity: Prolonged screen exposure is also linked to altered brain structure and processing. It is mainly relevant to areas linked with emotional regulation and cognitive functioning.
• Avoiding Social Life: Too much reliance on digital communication might hamper attendance at actual social gatherings. It also intervenes with emotional intelligence and social skills.

What are the Benefits of Digital Detox?

Practicing digital detox and taking small breaks from screen time can show positive effects such as:

• Keeping TV screens and smartphones away before bedtime can improve sleep quality and ensure sound sleep.
• Digital detox also proves helpful in lowering stress levels and improving overall mental wellness.
• When you are on a digital detox, the brain functions actively on creative and productive aspects.
• Stronger Bonds and heartfelt communication with your close friends and family members is possible when you are on a digital detox. It leads to improved relationships.
• Cutting off from technology for a while generates a sense of self-worth and awareness, making your life more fulfilling.

How to Balance Mental Health and Technology Together?

Creating a perfect relationship between technology and restoring cognitive function needs finding the key balance. They are as explained below:

• Limiting screen time in late evening hours can work wonders for sleep hygiene and mental health.
• Stay conscious of how much and when you are using the screens. It should be for a reason instead of random digital wandering.
• Make rules at home, such as designating device-free zones with no screens to distract your interactions. The dining area and bedroom must be free from screen hours.
• Pursue interesting and engaging offline activities or switch to hobbies that do not comprise any screen time.
• Offline relationships and in-person interactions are worth it, and you should never ignore them during the digital time.

Including these practices in your daily regime can aid in seeking digital detox by reducing screen time. Setting boundaries and following discipline in using the screen can support mental health to a great extent.

Winding Up- ‘Striking a Balance Between Digital and Real Matters!’

If you’re still unable to cope with the reliance on digital devices or addiction to screen time, feel free to seek professional guidance. They are mental health experts who can counsel and guide you towards the journey of striking a balance between personal life and technology. And remember, you’re just one amongst the millions dealing with the same concern!

Digital dependency and mandatory screen exposure for studies, work, and entertainment are normal these days. It’s hard to eliminate the device time from our lives as they serve many work purposes, too. If screen time starts intervening with your general well-being, sleep, or mental health, then it demands addressing.

We hope that by including these tips and ways of digital detox, one can reduce the harmful effects it causes on your brain health. This can be a perfect way to develop a harmonious as well as healthy symphony between the digital world and the offline life we live in. Creating a balance is what matters the most.

Stay tuned for further health and lifestyle-related posts, insights, and blogs here. Until then, keep a close watch on your screen time!