I once saw a collection of photos capturing life’s significant moments, like weddings and the birth of a child, where everyone was focused on their phones instead of each other. I’ve been guilty of doing the same during important times, like family meals or when spending time with my husband and kids. This realization led me to adopt a weekly break from technology to find more balance in my life.
Technology truly is amazing, giving us access to more information than ever before. Just consider that every two days we produce as much information as all of human history up to 2003. While it connects us globally, allowing us to stay updated with friends and know what our loved ones are up to, it can also feel overwhelming.
We’re consuming a vast amount of digital information daily, and its effects are still uncertain. That’s why I included a digital detox in my book, “The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.”
Research suggests we might be connecting less at a human level despite our digital interactions increasing. Studies indicate that excessive use of electronics could be impacting us both mentally and physically, causing issues like narcissism, sleep disruption, and a loss of empathy, especially in children. The way we think could also be changing as we rely more on the internet to store our memories, leading to less retention of information.
Books like “Mind Change” discuss how technology might be influencing our brain functions negatively. It’s believed that technology, especially for kids, can affect dopamine levels, shorten attention spans, and decrease empathy. As a mom, this is concerning, and it’s why we’re cautious about our kids’ exposure to technology.
Beyond our minds, tech exposure might also be affecting us physically. Devices emit blue light, which disrupts our sleep patterns, impacting our circadian rhythms and hormone production. To manage this, we limit our children’s screen time, eliminate nightlights, and use programs like f.lux for screens in the evening.
Overuse of technology might be changing our posture and contributing to obesity and other health issues. However, even short breaks from tech can yield positive results. Research showed that after a few days without smartphones, people improved in memory, relationships, and sleep.
Despite technology’s integral role in our lives, taking a break can be beneficial. Many young people view their phones as essential as air or water, even preferring to lose a pinky finger or a car over their phone. In response, I decided to prioritize balance with regular digital detoxes for my family.
Although my work revolves around the digital world, taking time away from screens has improved my work-life balance, creativity, and productivity. We already limit our children’s screen time, but I realized I needed to do the same for myself. Now, I take two digital detox days a week, avoiding phones and computers except for necessary calls.
Initially, it was challenging to resist checking my phone, but over time, I’ve come to treasure this break, filling it with reading and quality time with my kids. My official digital detox day is Friday, with another day as my schedule allows. During these times, I completely unplug during family and school time, meals, or in-person engagements.
This practice not only strengthens family bonds but also sets a good example for my kids in a tech-driven world. From a blogging standpoint, these breaks have bolstered my creativity and productivity.
Finding balance with technology is always evolving and differs for each family. This approach works for me now, but it will likely adapt as technology advances and my children grow. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that we control technology rather than letting it control us.
How do you manage the upsides and downsides of technology? Do you take a day off from digital devices?
