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Need a Digital Detox?

By Donna Stark

I remember when I was growing up that we basically had four times during the day to watch the news: morning, noon, dinnertime, and late at night. Obviously, it’s not like that anymore. We now live in a 24/7 kind of world with digital access to anything we want at our fingertips. Whether it’s a fitness monitor on your smartwatch telling you how well you are doing, an app on your phone that tells you where the cheapest gas is, or a doorbell that records all of your visitors, digital technology is here and it’s here to stay.

Do You Need a Digital Detox?

Because your smart devices can have such a powerful influence on your everyday life, it can be easy to get lost in their capabilities. After all, they help you stay in touch with loved ones, keep your family safe when you are away, and encourage you to stay on that path of fitness. But there is another side to this story and it can be ugly. One of the main drawbacks that comes with technology is the dependence and addiction that many people have toward it. Here are some things to think about that will help determine whether or not you could benefit from a digital detox.

  • Risk of harm – The urge to constantly check our phones can be so great that many people are putting themselves in harm’s way to do so. We see it every day on the roads … people are texting, they’re checking their Instagram, or they're raiding a village in a silly game. They aren’t driving as safely as they should and they are putting everyone around them at risk. If this sounds like you, you may want to put your phone out of reach until you reach your destination.
  • Impaired sleep – Are you struggling to get a good night of sleep? Is your phone constantly buzzing with notifications or do you find yourself saying, “just one more level” with your game? Stop being technologically active when you should be sleeping. To get yourself on the path of great sleeping habits, turn off your devices, or put them aside, at least an hour before your bedtime.
  • Anxiety and depression – Studies have shown that technology dependence can cause feelings of anxiety and depression. Have you heard the teens around you asking how many “likes” they got or have you ever felt a twinge of jealousy after looking at your friend’s fabulous trips and gifts they have received? Healthy living has to have a good dose of balance in it, and in this case, it’s important to take note of the feelings that digital addiction is causing.

Ultimately, it’s not about ditching technology away from your life forever. It’s more about learning how to take a break from it a little bit each day for a more balanced and healthy life.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cumming, Ga.

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