Destress with a Digital Detox
Have you ever been caught in that habit where you mindlessly scroll social media on and on for hours? Often way past your bed time, and then even worse fall into that trap of comparing yourself to other people- celebrities, influencers and your own friends. Before you know it, not only are you sleep deprived, you also feel horrible about yourself and the life you’re living. It’s a toxic cycle, and yes social media addiction is a very real thing which is closely correlated to clinical depression, anxiety and dissatisfaction in teenagers and adults alike.
Something i’ve learned through the use of social media as a means of marketing, is that it is extremely dangerous for your mental health and must be used in moderation. There are many ways to make your Tik Tok or Instagram appear larger than life. People use many techniques like photoshop, filters, curation etc. and there are many strategies to enhance your appearance and lifestyle.
I watched a documentary on how dangerous social media can be comparing social media users to those who are cocaine users. The algorithm of of social media sites literally reward those who habitually use the platform and rewards users with likes and followers, a dopamine boost. This in itself is dangerous, simply because impressionable youth and even adults equate likes and follows to being liked and admired in real life. This mindset is wrong and misguided. People can have amazing, fun and wonderful lives without feeling the need to document it.
Our lives nowadays are becoming more and more digitized, with our work and even socializing becoming dependent on technology. A technique I have found to keep the stress at bay and also to simply live in the moment is to do a Digital Detox at least once a week or a few weeks in a month. When i’m on vacation or diving I now opt to leave my phone on silent or leave it behind in the room. I also don’t use my phone when i’m with my family and friends so I can engage better with them. It’s absolutely liberating and peaceful to just- be. Once you stop feeling the need to constantly update and post every second of your life or feel the need to share on social media, its a different kind of freedom. A little mindfulness goes a long way, so don’t hesitate to disconnect to reconnect. Do that Digital Detox :)