As the New Year began, many people were starting new diets, beginning exercise regimes and making changes to improve their overall lives. I began to become aware of people expressing the need for more time to relax and reflect. They felt that their minds were constantly whirring with no end in sight.
Part of the reason that people may feel unable to relax, could be the technology that we use. Technology and its developments have changed the world we live in. We are more connected with each other socially than ever before. Information is readily accessible, on any topic, at any time, often where ever we are.
When walking down the local high street. I passed various coffee shops / café and I noticed that people were all transfixed to their devices. Not looking out the window daydreaming, not reading a book, and surprisingly not always chatting with companions at the same table. On holiday people were often ‘relaxing’ by the pool while on their phones checking social media or emails. Never really being in the moment or grounding themselves, in the place that they actually were.
Consider how much time is spent using your phone or computer…not for work, but when checking social media or emails? For a few days make a note every time you pick up your device just to check if you have had a message etc. then make a note of how much time you then sit browsing through your various apps with no real purpose. Do we need to have our minds constantly bombarded with information? Could this constant over stimulation prevent us from being able to switch off?
Many retreats now have digital blackouts, preventing participants from using devices so that they can fully immerse themselves in the moment allowing them to truly focus.
However, you do not need to go on a retreat to experience this digital detox. A friend recently told me that they were struggling to sleep. When she looked at her pre bed time routine she realised that every night she would spend time checking emails, social media even her bank account. This would in turn over stimulate her mind with information. On reflection she has decided to set a time in the evening when she stops the use of her phone etc. Initially the urge to keep checking she said was like a bad habit which needed to be broken. However after a few days, the benefits of time gained and relaxation felt. She feels has been well worth the digital detox.