Just unplug for an instant wellness boost
It’s no secret that finding quiet is high on my list of important self-care practices. Today, let’s double-down on one particular area which sneaks in and disturbs our quiet and peacefulness. If you want to feel better fast, just unplug for an instant wellness boost. Most of us lose sight of all the ways we are plugged in each day. With smart phones we often feel “on call” constantly. I am old enough to remember the days before we all carried one. There was a time when we would actually be “out of touch” for periods of time on a regular basis. Now, we are at the mercy of constant connectedness….or are we? Let’s take back control of our lives by just unplugging.
Modern technology is overstimulating our minds
This is pretty intuitive, but there is also research to back it up. Our 24/7 technology is constantly providing stimulation for our natural fight or flight response. Our brains are being programmed by the small squirts of dopamine which occur with each little burst of information. We are becoming addicted little by little. Before we know it, we are captives to our technology. Think about the way you feel when you misplace your phone. The panic is real and is a perfect indication of how much our brain has become hooked on technology.
Why multitasking is bad for your brain
It wasn’t too long ago when “crazy busy” was a badge of honor. With the advent of the smart phone, we embraced the ability to do everything from anywhere. We could juggle work, home, socializing and more with just a few clicks. It seemed like a modern miracle. Well, the old adage “if it seems to good to be true, it usually is,” fits. In 2004, researchers at Stanford found that multitaskers are more sensitive to incoming information than non-multitaskers. So, is that good or bad? Well, “there is an evolutionary rationale for the pressure this barrage puts on the brain. The lower-brain functions alert humans to danger, like a nearby lion, overriding goals like building a hut. In the modern world, the chime of incoming e-mail can override the goal of writing a business plan or playing catch with the children.” We are slowly being trained to respond to the slightest indication of “something important going on” to the point where it keeps us from focusing on the actual important things.
Ways to limit your use of technology
The following steps will help you as you begin to unplug from technology. Take it one step at a time. Remember that feeling anxious is a part of the process. We spent years becoming addicted to our technology and we feel naked without it at first…even for brief periods of time. So, start with a few steps to reduce technology in your life and increase your awareness of your dependence on it.
- Turn off notifications
- Create boundaries on times/days/locations for technology
- Track your online activity
- Turn off the TV/computer
Cut the 24/7 news habit
Are you a news junkie? We all want to keep up with what’s going on in the world, but much of what is on the air isn’t actually news. “Unfortunately, a lot of the news we consume today isn’t so much reporting as it is a way of keeping people addicted to the news cycle,” says Dr. Logan Jones. There’s a saying in media, “if it bleeds, it leads” which sums up the way 24/7 news is programmed. The sensational stories receive much more airtime than anything positive. “Consuming too much of this kind of news, whether actively or passively, can be very toxic, and what you hear has an impact on your mood,” concludes Dr. Jones. Consuming this news, whether active or passive, increases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. In one study, this negative impact on mood occurred with only 14 minutes of exposure. Just imagine what occurs if the 24/7 news is constantly on the TV…even in the background.
Just unplug for an instant wellness boost
The easiest way to get a break from technology is to just unplug from your devises…all of them. This means exactly that. Unplug everything for a set period of time. If this seems too scary or anxiety producing, start small. It might be 15-30 minutes a day in the beginning. Try to get everyone in the family on the same page with this healthy practice. Put all the phones in a basket during dinner each night. When you’re on vacation, turn off the phones. You will be surprised how quickly everything seems to slow down.
Control your media by unplugging
No matter which ways you adopt, consider limiting your time connected to technology. The habit of always being connected is a rather recent one and research is ongoing about the long-term effects. Technology is extremely useful, but we must take control of it for ourselves. Consider ways you might adopt healthier technology habits…as well as model them for your children. And remember, on those days when you’re feeling stressed, just unplug for an instant wellness boost.
To read more about our 8 Ways to Wellness read this blog post. And don’t miss out on our FREE resource, 8 Quick Ways to Boost Wellness, which you can get here.
