Whenever I’m on my phone and connected to a Wi-Fi signal, I love to go on Instagram and look at pictures. However, I’ve come to realize that I spend a lot of time surfing the web instead of doing something really constructive. One time, I got home from school and decided to spend a few minutes checking out my Instagram feed before I started my homework. Those a few minutes turned into a few hours and the next thing I knew it was dinner time and I had done absolutely nothing. That day I decided to try and make a change. I realized that by trying to connect to the rest of the world using apps like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and etc., I was also becoming disconnected from the world around me. I also realized that I am not the only one, as more gadgets are being created and technology is finding a way into virtually almost every part of our lives, it’s also become a sort of a distraction as well as a blessing.I know that you have probably heard the saying, too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing. So, just like with food, technology needs to be used in moderation.
DoSomething.org made a list explaining a few ways that technology affects your mental health. A few of them include large amounts of stress, FOMO (a.k.a. Fear of Missing Out), addiction, insecurity and much more.This means that as more and more gadgets are being created and bought, more and more people (these are the effects on everyone, regardless of age) are being affected. So, to end this three-parter on technology, I’m going to give a few tips that I’ve been using over the past few weeks to unplug, unwind and get back to reality.
Use timers
Try putting a timer on to remind you when to get off your devices and to focus on something else. This way, you’re able to balance having some time to have fun and getting your work done.Turn off the Wi-Fi
Whenever I’m really about to focus and start a project, I usually get distracted when I hear that little Facebook pop go off. Therefore, by turning off your data or Wi-Fi when it’s time to get to work or when your out with the family, it helps you to avoid such distractions and really be present in the moment.A change of scenery
Sometimes we just need to take a breather. I can only look at a screen for so long before the allure of the cyber world is dulled due to the fact that I can’t even look at my screen anymore. So, when times like these arise, I think that it’s the perfect moment to get up and move about. Whether, it’s to go to the next room or go for a walk, a new environment helps to clear your mind and start anew.Find another activity
If you’ve spent the whole day on your computer doing absolutely nothing that you actually wanted to do, why not find another activity. Read a book, or walk your dog, or do your nails, anything at all! If you can't think of anything fun to do on your own, why not make plans with a few of your best buds and have a blast!Put your focus elsewhere
Sign up for an event or create a goal that you are committed to completing. For example, you could create a new club at school, volunteer at an event, register for a marathon or plan a sleepover! That way, you have something to look forward to that doesn't involve a screen and that will give tons of great memories for years to come!
Turn off the devices before going to sleep
Before I go to bed, I make it a habit to put my phone of vibrate so that when I’m trying to fall asleep I’m not awakened every so often by my notifications.How do you unplug from the online world?
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