Have you ever thought about how many times a day you look at your smartphone? How many hours are you facing a screen?
It is necessary to spend time on digital devices in today’s society and workplace, but “unplugging” by spending time away from a device or screen may help you recharge and improve the quality of your life and relationships.
Multiple studies suggest that constant connection to digital devices can create or worsen certain areas of health such as sleep, memory, attention, and quality of life.
Reasons to take a break from technology
Better sleep – Dropping the phone or screen before bedtime may improve the quality and length of your sleep. It is thought the browsing light illuminated disturbs sleep patterns.
Improved memory – Focusing on one thing at a time allows our brain to take in and recall what we read. One study reported students have better test results when devices were turned off during prep time.
Higher productivity – In addition to improved memory, staying focused and not trying to look at more than one task at a time improves your productivity and quality of work.
Healthier relationships – Listening is an important part of healthy communication. Set aside the device and make time to speak directly to others and have solitude with yourself.
Enriched quality of life – Looking up from your device allows you to take in each moment more fully. You see the rainbow in the sky, flowers blooming, and enjoy the quiet of being alone or energy of being with others.
Challenge yourself. Choose one or two times of each day to “unplug” and put your device or screen down. For example, I choose to not look at my phone 30 minutes before I go to bed. Make your own goal and commit to it. Notice any differences you experience.
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25535358
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