Disconnection: improve your social relations

We spend a lot of time glued to our screens; especially after living a prolonged social detachment, in which social networks, new mobile applications and interactive games became more popular. Although we might think this is normal, the truth is that it is slowly affecting our social relationships and even our mental stability, so we need disconnection from these devices and reconnect with the real world.

Rethinking our relationship with screens

Given this, we need to rethink the time we spend in front of screens, avoiding sustaining real relationships and where some dedication is needed for a disconnection from the bonds of constant and prolonged use of electronic equipment.

The intention is that we can enjoy other activities that are enriching for ourselves and that allow us to reconnect with society, such as practising a discipline, playing an instrument, spending time reading together, etc.; all this by means of a digital disconnection, even if we are often not sure that this is the right thing to do.

Are you sure it doesn’t affect your well-being?

Of course, many people think that this attachment to screens does not affect wellbeing, and that is what we believe when we are in a vicious circle. However, there are some questions we can ask ourselves to find out if there is an unhealthy dependence on screens.

• Are you easily distracted by the internet while studying?
• When you are not online, do you feel a strong need to use your mobile phone?
• Can’t go to sleep without checking your smartphone first?
• Do you feel anxious when you are in areas without wifi or when the signal weakens?
• Do you constantly avoid social interactions because you are checking your phone?

If you answered yes to at least one of these, it means that the constant use of smartphones or other screens is affecting your physical and mental well-being, so it’s time to establish new relationships with your environment.

Research revealing dependence on technology devices

Research on this topic reveals that we are living around technology and that it keeps us in an «always on» attitude. However, this ends up clashing with our attempt to balance studies, social life and family, leaving us exhausted and even lost.

In addition to this, it has been proven that staying away from technological devices for more than two hours generates feelings of stress and anxiety, causing many mental health risks.

All this increases if we add that, in recent months, the activity in front of screens has been accentuated by the evolution of the pandemic. Virtual meetings, remote work, everything indicates that our world revolves around the digital.

How can digital detoxification be achieved?

Faced with this problem, there are a few tips we can follow to limit the use of screens and detoxify ourselves from this problem.

• Avoid the mobile phone before going to sleep

At least half an hour before going to bed, leave your smartphone out of the game and instead use this time to do something productive or something that relaxes you. This will significantly improve your sleep and you will wake up with more energy the next day.

On the other hand, we know how important the alarm clock function of your phone is. However, an analogue clock is just as efficient and will help you keep your phone away at bedtime.

• Choose one or two hobbies

Make a list of things you’d like to do or practice and start investing time in them. You’ll see how you’ll be able to form new habits and generate that feeling of gratification you haven’t experienced in a while.

Find activities away from screens that are not only fun but also productive, and we assure you that your happiness levels will increase significantly.

• Disconnect one day a month

Try one day a month to reconnect socially or even with yourself. Go for a walk, take a hike, go up a hill or just get out of the house to enjoy the day and leave all your devices out of the routine. This will help you establish a healthy relationship with your electronic devices and wean yourself off dependency.

Connect with the world, really

Finally, by practising these tips you will be able to free yourself and reconnect with others. If you think it’s difficult for you, find allies. It’s always better to try it with others than on your own, and it will benefit them too.

This is not to say that technology should be removed from our lives. This is impossible in a globalised world sustained by these activities. It is just a way to improve our quality of life in relation to the way devices influence communication, work, studies and social relations in general.

Technologies change, but disconnection and connecting with the world can really work wonders.