Overcome stress with a digital detox.

Most people nowadays spend more time looking at screens than they do sleeping.  According to a recent study, 40% of adults check their phones within 5 minutes of waking up in the morning.  That figure rises to 65% of under 30s.  There’s nothing wrong with checking phones or spending a lot of time in front of a screen in principle but 62% of adults admit to hating how much time they spend on their phones and there is mounting evidence that this obsession with staying connected is damaging our health, relationships and productivity. Some people are fighting back by undertaking ‘digital detoxes’ and, because we at The Float Spa are all about fighting stress and enhancing wellbeing, here is some information about digital detoxing.

What is the Problem with Technology?

These figures show we are spending a lot of time on our phones, computers and tablets but so what? It’s damaging us.  That’s what.  Heavy internet users are a staggering five times more likely to suffer depression than other people.  47% of adults report losing sleep to internet time and 73% of under 30s are suffering from some form of eye strain caused by looking at screens. It’s a particular problem for younger people with nearly half of 18 to 34 year olds reporting that social media made them feel unattractive.  All round, too much screen time is making us stressed and miserable.

Why Detox?

Aside from avoiding all that nasty stuff, there are actually some real positives to having a digital detox. Comparing ourselves to others, reading worrying news, arguing with strangers on Twitter and constantly checking work emails stress us out so having a break from all that is a great way to relax.  It’s good for your body as well as you mind though because if you can’t sneak a peek at your phone in a quiet moment or while you’re waiting for something, you’re more likely to get up and do something which is better for your back, joints, muscles and weight.  If you’re trying to lose weight, not having your device to look at while you’re eating actually makes it easier to eat less as we tend to eat more when distracted.

Tips to Make Detoxing Easier

Start by turning off notifications for everything non-essential.  Then put your device somewhere where you can hear it if it rings with something important but you can’t see it.  Set yourself realistic targets that you can add to as you go along like not checking Twitter until midday moving on to staying off social media during office hours, for example.  Keeping your devices out of your bedroom is a great idea as they damage sleep so having them out of easy reach is a good way to stop yourself reaching for them at night.  If you use them for an alarm clock, it might be a good idea to put them at the other side of the room.

The bottom line is that taking time out to focus on your wellbeing, whether that’s stepping away from technology or spending time relaxing, is always good.  You aren’t alone if you need help too.  Teaming up with others is a great way to keep you on the straight and narrow when it comes to breaking habits.  Friends and family are great for this but we can also help you at The Float Spa.  Use any of our services – floatation, yoga, infrared sauna, massage therapy– to take time away from technology and stress.

Call 01273 975618 for more information or to book in.