Do you remember the recent advertising campaign that warned that children scroll up to 400 meters on screens a day? That’s more than 11 kilometers a month. How many kilometers do you scroll? How many hours a day do you spend in front of the computer?

You know it, you’re busy with your schoolchild or enjoying dinner with your loved ones when your phone rings. And you run away. Not only physically, but also mentally.

If you’re tired of being constantly connected and feeling overwhelmed by information and notifications, maybe it’s time to “unplug” for a while. The Christmas holidays are a great opportunity for a digital detox. Take a break from your smartphone, computer, or TV for a few days and focus on your loved ones, yourself, and your hobbies. Maybe your creative “self” will speak up and you’ll start crocheting or painting.

A digital detox has many benefits:

Reduce stress:Constantly checking emails and notifications can cause stress and anxiety. It can increase the feeling of not getting anything done. It also distracts us from what we are doing.

Increase productivity: Disconnecting from the digital world allows us to focus on important tasks, successfully complete ongoing activities, and thus be more productive.

Improve interpersonal relationships: Spending time with family and friends without the distraction of a mobile phone allows us to be present in the moment and build deeper relationships.

Restore creativity:Disconnecting from the constant influx of information can stimulate our creativity and imagination. When you are creative, your mind rests and you feel refreshed.

Better sleep: It is no secret that the blue light from smartphone screens disrupts your sleep cycle.

How to start a digital detox?

Set goals:Decide which devices and apps you want to limit and for how long. Most phones have a Digital Balance feature in their settings that lets you see how much time you spend on your phone, how often you unlock it, and how much you use each app. You can set time limits for apps, party mode, and manage notifications.

Find alternatives:Find activities that you enjoy that don’t require the use of technology. Books are a great way to escape the digital world and immerse yourself in a different story. Walking in nature can be a great way to recharge and relax. Hang out with friends, pursue hobbies.

Create your environment:Adjust your environment to support your digital detox. For example, leave your phone in another room during dinner or before bed. If your smartphone wakes you up in the morning and is too much of a temptation in the bedroom, replace it with an alarm clock.

A digital detox is a good way to take a break from constant stimulation and restore balance in your life. It’s an investment in your happiness and well-being. And well-being is something we need during the holidays.

Photo: freepik.com