Learning to disconnect from the digital world is basic for our physical and psychological health.
The fact of adopting one or another lifestyle may not reveal a direct and immediate impact on our way of thinking and feeling, but without realizing it, little by little, it powerfully influences the way in which we experience what happens to us.
That is why, for many people who are not feeling well emotionally or even existentially, the solution is to put a stop to certain habits that have been wearing down their psychological health. And one of the ways to achieve this, especially in the case of young people, is to opt for the digital disconnection .
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Digital disconnection and its relationship with psychological health
It might seem banal to think that stopping using certain digital devices for a while brings psychological benefits. And it is true that at first glance this technological “break” is somewhat similar to the trend towards technophobia that occurs in certain media and social circles: the idea that everything that has a screen is intrinsically bad because it distances us from of a traditional model of life in contact with nature that, in reality, has never existed.
However, it is perfectly possible to bet on digital disconnection based on purely rational criteria , far from Manichean or moralistic perspectives about the use of smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. These electronic devices are neither good nor bad in themselves, and their ability to make our lives easier depends entirely on how we use them.
On certain occasions, being able to access these products allows us to get in touch with new ideas and art forms, enrich our leisure hours, keep in touch with loved ones and even improve our job prospects, and that will be due to how we use those devices.
But in the same way, we can also enter into a harmful dynamic in which our social life is limited to what we do on our social networks, our references of beauty and happiness are marketing products taken from Instagram, leisure includes only videos of YouTube or video games, and our way of getting in touch with other ideas becomes to discuss on Twitter.
In these cases, and in many others that I could not describe here due to lack of space, digital disconnection makes perfect sense. Not only does it allow us to leave behind a mental life impoverished by repeated exposure to the same mind-numbing practices and the same kinds of interactions with a screen; In addition, it gives us the opportunity to start from scratch and learn to relate to digital devices in a healthier way.
The benefits of unplugging
These are several compelling reasons to spend several weeks away from electronic devices during our free time (and if possible, also during our working hours).
1. It helps us refresh relationships
The very fact of taking a vacation from the use of social networks allows us to have an excuse to meet people we see little (and usually, through a screen). From the first moment, it is a valid reason to propose to meet, since it can be easily explained that we are in an era in which we have decided that our social life becomes almost exclusively face to face.
Thus, we can even see again people with whom we have not spoken for more than a year, even if we are shy and believe that proposals of this type are risky in terms of what they may think of us.
2. It makes it easier to have better sleep schedules
Many people have serious problems going to sleep at the right time because of the entertainment available digitally . Going from looking at the mobile from bed to reading a little before going to sleep or even meditating is a very good way to help us fall asleep when it’s time.
3. It invites us to explore the real world
Regardless of where we live, it is very likely that relatively close to home there are very interesting environments that we have never visited. It is especially recommended to go into spaces where nature predominates , since it helps us to disconnect not only technologically, but also psychologically.
As in the forests, seas and mountains there are fewer references to our obligations and daily routines, it is very easy to get lost in the here and now, letting our consciousness “float”. This is ideal for recharging energy and letting go of recurring thoughts about what usually worries us.
4. It predisposes us to control schedules
If you have gotten used to using digital platforms or video games, you will know that despite all their virtues, they are true traps in terms of time planning, because they include design elements designed to “trap” us and that we never stop consuming them. .
For example, in services like Netflix, the chapters follow each other automatically, Facebook constantly shows us content that has a high probability of capturing our attention, video games always incorporate rewards for progressing in the plot, etc.
Putting a stop to all this is a way to make a clean slate and better organize our time without letting leisure time get out of hand. This is beneficial because, if we give in to the desire to leave everything for another time in order to keep looking at the screen, this lifestyle often has a negative psychological impact on us, and exposes us to stressful situations.
Do you need help?
Psychologists have the training and experience to make it much easier to adopt healthy lifestyles. In fact, year after year, many clients turn to psychological assistance professionals in search of professional support against problems such as addiction to new technologies or unhappiness linked to the misuse of social networks.
Therefore, as experts in human behavior, we are aware that, as times change, our definition of a psychologically and emotionally rich life, with the capacity to be stimulating, must also change. And that is the principle on which we base ourselves to support people .
Bibliographic references
- Gordon, G. (1999). The Internet: A Philosophical Inquiry. Nueva York: Routledge.
- Mumford, L. (2010). Technics and Civilization. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
