The world is made up of two kinds of people: those who love technology and those who can’t stand it. For those who can’t stand it, one look at the constant notifications, alerts, and beeps coming from their friends or family members makes their skin craw.
The truth is that technology has made our lives simpler in many ways. Thanks to apps like Google Maps, we no longer have to worry about getting lost. A quick search on our phones gives us the answers we need and websites like Facebook make staying in touch with friends and family much easier. Unfortunately, this ease comes with a downside.
We are now slaves to our devices; there’s always something demanding our attention. Instead of taking time out for ourselves in order to relax, we constantly feel like we don’t have time for anything because someone is always texting, calling or posting something about us online.
What is too much technology?
There is no set rule for how much technology you can use. What one person considers to be an acceptable amount may not be enough for someone else. All you have to do is answer these two questions:
- Do you feel like you have control over your technology use or does technology use you?
- Do your loved ones complain that you spend too much time on your devices?
Most people who spend too much time on their devices will tell you they don’t have a problem. They are too caught up in checking their notifications and scrolling through social media feeds to realize that they’re addicts.
Why is it so hard to unplug?
In our modern society, we are constantly plugged in to one form of technology or another. We are so used to getting updates on our phones, computer screens, and even watches, that it becomes very difficult to unplug.
By unplugging, we don’t mean powering down your devices, but rather powering down your mind. This means not to look at your phone for a few hours, not to check your computer, or not to even think about work. Instead, it means to do something that doesn’t require you to use your brain power.
Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Balance with Technology
– Manage Your Time Better If you spend all of your time on your devices, you’ll never have the time to do the things you really want to do. Start by tracking your time. Use an app or a notebook to keep a record of the time you spend on each device. This will help you to see where you need to cut back.
– Take Some Breaks Humans were not built to be constantly plugged in. While it’s important to stay in touch with your loved ones, you also need time to yourself. Take frequent breaks from your devices, and when you do use them, put them away when you don’t need them. Don’t let them rule your life.
– Take a Digital Sabbatical Once a Month Once a month, don’t use any technology. Turn off your phone and computer. Don’t even look at your watch. Disconnect from everything and just be in the moment. This will help you to recharge and get more in tune with the world around you.
– Plan Your Technology Use and Stick to the Schedule If you forget to turn off your notifications and always have your devices near you, it’s very easy to get carried away with them. Therefore, it’s important to set a schedule for your technology use.
– Go on Digital Dates with Yourself When you were younger and in love, you probably went on dates with your partner. However, if you’re like most adults, you don’t go on as many dates with yourself anymore.
Exercise more often
Exercising is one of the simplest and most effective ways to relieve stress and stay healthy, but too many people don’t make it a priority. If you find yourself spending too much time in front of your devices, try to squeeze in some exercise. It will help you to relieve stress and stay healthy.
Exercise also improves your sleep, which is important because sleep keeps your body and brain healthy. Poor sleep can make you feel stressed, tired, or depressed.
Lastly, exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals that make you feel good. It’s much better to get your endorphins from exercise than from sugar or caffeine.
Conclusion
Too much technology can harm our mental and physical health. It can negatively affect our sleep, increase feelings of anxiety and lead to feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out).
To avoid these harmful effects, you should make an effort to unplug from your devices. There is no set rule for how much technology you can use.
All you have to do is answer these two questions: Do you feel like you have control over your technology use or does technology use you? Do your loved ones complain that you spend too much time on your devices?