I need a break… I'm tired!

I don’t want to admit this. But if I am being realistic, I am addicted to technology. I don’t remember the last time I woke up and the first thing I did was not related to checking my phone. Or the last time I went longer than a few hours without checking my phone or computer longer than a few hours. I mean, how many technology devices do I even have? It’s very difficult to unplug, especially right now, where my entire life depends on a little screen. I often find myself checking my phone multiple times in the span of 5 minutes when my heart knows that I don’t have any notifications. It’s a habit at this point. I will admit that I hate this habit of mine. It’s very toxic and affects my mental health. I have definitely experienced anxiety from being connected too much. Feeling scared and anxious that I will miss out on information if I am not online every five minutes. Social media had a very negative effect on me during the time when a lot of protests were going on. I felt like I had to be online all the time so I can stay connected and not miss out on anything important. I felt so guilty if I didn’t repost a post I saw. I felt like technology was my only source of power.

In Brian X. Chen’s article, It’s Time for a Digital Detox, he writes that excessive screen time can be harmful to our well-being. But, of course, there is good news!! We can free ourselves from this chain by setting boundaries. For me personally, I have to first remind myself that, YES, it’s possible to live without technology. At least for a few hours. I also have to remind myself that it’s healthy for my brain to take a break from social media. Read a book, take a walk, or just sit in silence with my thoughts. I want to set boundaries for myself on how long I should be on screen. I shouldn’t waste my time just staring at the screen. Mostly, looking at useless things that seem fun and important at the time, but have no actual benefit to my brain. So, my friends, I hope this also makes you reflect on your life and helps you analyze if you also need a detox. It’s definitely time for me to take a digital detox!!