We all need to unplug in order to connect. Now you might be thinking- I have no idea what this means; this woman is speaking complete nonsense. But, what we don’t realize is how much time we spend on our phones. And yes, even you Karen, I know you’re stalking your ex’s Instagram account at least three times a day. Don’t try to play me.
Anyways, I know it’s hard to imagine a place without having the entire world at your fingertips via your cell phone. But, what we don’t realize, is how negatively these things impact our social skills and mental wellbeing.
People in their 20s average about 6 hours a day on their phones and check social media at least 58 times a day. This is insane to me, but honestly, I believe it. To put this into perspective, that’s 58 times I could be catching someone cute staring at me, a rainbow, or a shooting star in the sky. We miss out on all of these beautiful, once in a lifetime opportunities by keeping our heads down in other people’s profiles and posts… for what?
It is too often I sit at dinner with my own parents and see how each of us is consumed by technology instead of engaging with one another. It amazes me how a device made to simplify communications can truly hinder our abilities to truly communicate on basic levels- even with our own families. When we don’t rely on our phones, conversations can be shared more easily and true connections can be made. We need to learn how to embrace the moment and appreciate what is happening in the present; through this, we find meaning in our actions and communications. After all, we do not need to be available to everyone 24/7.
We should feel okay with taking time to ourselves and not being consumed by outside sources. Power down the tech in order to power up yourself. We miss out on so much when we are consumed in the lives of others; we are jealous and envious creatures by nature-it’s exhausting. By unplugging, this can have a positive impact on your own mental health and even help to boost confidence.
It is important that we take breaks in order to help our brains recover on a day to day basis. Taking a walk, drawing, or even just daydreaming for a bit can help your brain revive itself and give it the cognitive boost it needs.
Overall, I believe it is in everyone’s best interest to take breaks from technology. Enjoying life is way more important than a phone that will die in just a few hours. We are given one life on this planet and it’s important that we make the best of it.