Mental health and technology: In today’s busy life, from the time we open our eyes in the morning till we sleep at night, the one thing that remains closest to us is our smartphone. Have you ever thought that the device which we brought for our convenience is becoming the biggest enemy of our mental peace and happiness? Research and studies show that the average person spends 4 to 6 hours a day on their phone. If you are also in this category, then the time has come for ‘digital detox’.

What is digital detox?
Digital detox simply means Stay away from smartphones, laptops and social media completely for a certain time. Experts say that if you keep yourself away from the screen for just 24 hours a week (e.g. from Saturday night to Sunday night), the results will surprise you.

Why is 24 hour break necessary?
Stress Reduction (Cortisol Control): Research shows that frequent notifications increase the level of ‘cortisol’ (stress hormone) in our brain. As soon as you distance yourself from the phone, you will immediately feel mental peace.

Deep and restful sleep: Blue light emitted from screens inhibits our sleep hormone ‘melatonin’. The 24-hour break helps reset your body clock.

Improves concentration: When you do not check Instagram or WhatsApp frequently, your brain comes into ‘deep work’ state, which increases your working capacity.

What to do in 24 hours of detox?
Time with loved ones: Keep the phone in the cupboard and talk face to face with family or friends.
Give time to hobbies: Read that book that has been gathering dust on the table for weeks, or do cooking and painting.
Connection with nature: Go for a morning walk, watch the sun rise without taking photos. Feel how beautiful the moments are even without a camera.

These shocking changes will be seen-
-Your irritability has reduced.
-The fatigue in your eyes has started going away.
-You start living more in the present moment.
-The feeling of comparison and jealousy caused by seeing the ‘perfect life’ of others on social media goes away.

The International Journal of Indian Psychology According to a survey of,Teenagers who use the Internet for more than 5 hours daily have seen a decrease in their enjoyment and happiness of life. In the digital age, devices are needed for social interaction and learning new skills, but excessive use can have adverse effects.

Serious Dangers of Excessive Use
Excessive use of mobile and social media, especially among teenagers, can increase the risk of mental stress, self-harm tendencies and serious thoughts like suicide. Experts believe that lack of digital literacy and harmful social platforms have a deep adverse impact on mental health.

Remember, your phone should be your need, not your addiction. Happiness is not inside the screen, but in the world outside the screen. So are you ready to give yourself the gift of 24 hours this week? Believe me, the world will not stop without you in a day, but you will find yourself again.



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