By: April Carson
In today’s digital age, we’re more connected than ever—checking notifications, scrolling social media, and being constantly “on.” But as the demands of digital life increase, so does our awareness of how much screen time affects our mental health. More people are exploring the benefits of a digital detox, choosing to limit device use to reduce stress and reconnect with the world around them.
Why Digital Detoxing Matters
Research in 2024 shows that average daily screen time for adults has reached over 7 hours, a staggering figure that highlights our reliance on technology. Studies link excessive screen time to higher stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. According to the American Psychological Association, 74% of adults say they feel overwhelmed by the number of notifications they receive daily, while nearly 60% believe they would benefit from reducing their digital consumption.
Digital detoxing, which involves taking planned breaks from screens, has become a recommended practice for improving mental wellness. It can be as simple as a daily no-screen hour, scheduled “no-screen” days, or a full social media hiatus. Whatever the approach, a digital detox can be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety, improving focus, and helping us reconnect with our surroundings.
At the beginning of the year, my team and I embarked on a 90-day wellness challenge. Each of us committed to daily meditation, exercise, and healthy eating. For my part, I added a digital detox component, deciding to stay off social media for a full month. I even deleted the apps from my phone to remove the temptation. At first, I didn’t realize how automatic it had become to check these apps. Within hours, I noticed myself instinctively reaching for my phone and feeling the urge to “scroll.” That habit was surprisingly hard to break, but once I did, the benefits were undeniable.
My focus improved, my anxiety decreased, and I started experiencing a more profound sense of calm. Instead of scrolling before bed, I read books or journaled, and my sleep improved noticeably. By the end of the month, I found myself more grounded, and I began to appreciate the small moments that so often get drowned out by our digital lives.
Steps for a Successful Digital Detox
If you’re considering a digital detox, here are some practical tips that can make the journey smoother:
1. Set Realistic Goals: Decide how long you want to detox—start with a day or two, then extend as you feel comfortable.
2. Delete the Apps: Out of sight, out of mind! Temporarily removing social media apps can reduce the temptation to check them.
3. Fill the Time: Replace screen time with other activities—reading, walking, or picking up a hobby.
4. Create a No-Screen Zone: Dedicate spaces in your home, like the bedroom or dining room, to be screen-free.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Use a meditation app like Headspace or Insight Timer to ease the transition and reinforce mindfulness.
The Benefits Are Worth It
Our challenge highlighted the powerful effects of even short breaks from screens. Research in 2024 suggests that people who practiced digital detoxing for as little as one week reported feeling more refreshed and experienced lower anxiety levels. For those of us who crave deeper connections with ourselves and the world around us, these breaks allow us to recharge and experience moments more fully.
Whether you take a daily break, a weekend off, or go screen-free for a month, digital detoxing can be a transformative experience. My team’s journey helped us break old habits, build resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of our relationship with technology.
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References:
1. American Psychological Association. (2024). Stress in America 2024: The Impact of Digital Overload on Mental Health.
2. World Health Organization. (2024). Screen Time and Mental Health: A Global Report on the Impact of Excessive Device Use.
3. Digital Wellbeing Project. (2024). Annual Report on Digital Habits and Health.
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About the Blogger:
Hi! I'm April Carson, and if there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I'm all about determination, dedication, and passion—whether in the classroom, on the court, or in my community. Growing up as Billy Carson's daughter, I learned early on the importance of pursuing my dreams with everything I’ve got.
My journey took off at Jacksonville University, where I dove into my love for Sociology. I wanted to understand people and society on a deeper level, and I was known for being that curious, enthusiastic student, always eager to make a difference in the field.
But life wasn’t all books and lectures. I had another love—basketball. Playing for the Women’s Basketball team at Jacksonville was an experience that taught me so much about teamwork, leadership, and relentless drive. Those traits have shaped who I am, both on and off the court.
Today, I’m excited to be working on new projects that combine my passion for wellness and mental health. I’ve launched my blog, The Serenity Scrub, where I share insights on mental wellness. I’m also writing a Mental Wellness workbook that I hope will inspire and support even more people on their journeys. Want to learn more about what I’m up to? You can check it all out on my website!
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