Feeling overwhelmed by screens? These 5 simple digital detox tips offer teens a mindful way to unwind, refocus their mind, and feel re-centred
Technology is a powerful part of everyday life, but being constantly connected can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you’re craving a little digital breathing space, here are some simple digital detox ideas that can help you slow down and reconnect to your roots.
1 Unplug with quiet time in nature
There was a time when humans didn’t have any kind of electronic technology at all (crazy, huh?). With technology being such a large part of our lives, we can easily forget how to live without it.
Try sitting outside or going for a walk. Listen to nothing but nature: the trees swaying, birds chirping, or the ocean splashing. Feel the breeze on your face and the grass under your toes. Reconnect with your digital-free ancestors.
2 Rest your eyes with screen-free moments
Looking at a screen for hours at a time – whether it’s at school, for work, or at home – can hurt your eyes and affect your eyesight. Every now and then, it’s good to exercise your eyes to help them work more dynamically. Try focusing on something close-up and then far away. Do this a few times. Another good exercise is to sit in a dark room for ten minutes and let your eyes adjust.
3 Swap doom scrolling for mindful reading
With short form content being so engaging and accessible, the downside is that sometimes this can affect your mental health and ability to focus. Try occasionally replacing your doom scrolling with a book or magazine (we have plenty of options here). Alternating between screens and reading a book or magazine can help your mind stay focused on tasks for longer, helping you to remember things better, and reducing the chance of becoming easily bored.
4 Keep your brain active with puzzles
Much like number 3, doing a puzzle, such as a jigsaw, sudoku, find-a-word or a crossword, can help exercise your brain and keep it healthy, much like how moving your body gives you endorphins and keeps it running smoothly. You could try puzzles from one of our magazines!
5 Protect your energy with meditation
Sometimes our digital devices can leave us feeling tired and sluggish. It’s good to get into the habit of regularly clearing your mind and body from these feelings and doing a reset. Practicing a simple meditation can help you stay feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Try sitting on the ground and taking deep breaths, imagining a ray of light scanning and cleansing your body as it travels from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. You could also try some yoga poses, such as downward dog or dangling pose, to stretch out any tight muscles.
WORDS: Hannah Hutchinson
