Phones. Ipads. Tablets. Ipods. Televisions. Laptops… we can all probably name an electronic that we are addicted to. I hate to admit it, but I can honestly say that I own at least four different pieces of technology that I use on a day to day basis. Our world is being consistently flooded with “new and improved” gadgets that we just “have to have right now!” I know it’s genuinely difficult to put down your electronics and focus on what’s in front of you, but I can tell you it will be more than worth it when you do!
Unplugging comes with a whirlwind of health and wellness benefits! We’re going to give you a few of our favorite reasons why you should disconnect and reflect.
You Become More Aware
The minute you put down your technology you’ll be amazed at what you notice going on around you. The other day I put my phone down and I picked up a book that I’ve been wanting to read. Yep, a real book. Not a Kindle, not a Nook… a book that has pages you can turn and a binding you can crack, and I sat in my living room with the sun shining in and read for hours. It was glorious. I was expanding my mind, resting, and giving myself a mental break from the bright light that shines at me from my various gadgets. Soak in your surroundings and take advantage of the things you can do with your day that will make you a better person. Big things or little things. You’ll be surprised at how gratifying it really is!
You Stop Negative Comparison
We’ve all heard the phrase “social media is just their highlight reel” and for a huge percentage of people, that’s clearly the truth. It’s as if every post you see on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter is about some glamorous vacation so-and-so has been on or a new jump they’ve made in their career. As much as you want to just swipe past it, it’s hard to not let those things deflate your confidence. Comparison is the thief of joy, and technology is only prolonging that!
Your Values Change
Quality over Quantity. People these days are so concerned with the amount of followers they have, but would you say those followers are your friends? I like to think of it this way… how many of your followers could you call if your kid was sick? How many followers could you reach out to if your car broke down and you needed a ride home? How many of them would send you a letter if someone in your family had passed away? How many would surprise you at your doorstep if you were having a bad day? Do you see what I’m saying? Put time and effort into the friendships that are in it for the long haul.
You Have More Face to Face Communication
One of the most difficult aspects of talking solely through technology is that you lack the advantages that come with reading body language. I know there have been countless times when I type out a text way too quickly and hit send before I realize that what I said would’ve come across way more clearly if I had been able to say it face to face. Take the time to put the phone down and set up a date where you can see your friends and family, reach out and touch them and look into their eyes when you’re talking! It will build stronger relationships and strengthen your communication.
Your Sleep Improves
Studies have proven that the bright blue light that is emitted from your technology screen stalls the production of melatonin in the brain. Try turning off your phone, tablet and television 30 minutes prior to going to bed. This will give your brain some time to slip into sleep-mode and help your body physically and mentally unwind.
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