Since the touch screen cell phone became mainstream in 2007 with the introduction of the iPhone, people have become more connected than ever. With a few taps on the screen we carry with us all the time, we have access to anything we might need. Checking the weather, the answer to a question, and seeing what a friend is up to on social media. Though many might not have considered the toll this constant connectedness has taken on us.
The effects of too much time spent on screens, constant notifications drawing us in, and constant updates on social media can be detrimental to our mental and physical health, sometimes without us even realizing it.
Since people noticed how much time they spend on screens, many have tried living like it’s the 90’s again by adopting “analog hobbies.” These can include crocheting, journaling, playing an instrument, hiking, and more. Anything to get away from a screen. What they’ve noticed since the change has been shockingly beneficial for their everyday lives.
Improved mental health
Social media can cause individuals, especially adolescents, to experience a decline in their mental health. Numerous studies on the link between social media and mental health done over the last 15 years have shown us that. But the thing is, it’s not just social media.
Excessive screen time alone can cause the same symptoms due to its isolating nature. This is not only attributed to doom-scrolling but also playing video games, binge-watching TV shows and movies, or spending too much time working on the computer. Pretty much any activity that has you looking at a screen of some sort. A study conducted by Kostadin Kushlev found that detoxing from many of the abilities of a smart phone reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, and improved individuals’ attention span.
People have taken to a subreddit called r/digitalminimalism to confirm those findings based on their own experience. One redditor by the username Illustrious_End_543 commented how living an analog lifestyle “feels more peaceful and [their] brain isn’t constantly in this weird overstimulated rushed mode anymore.” Others noted the same.
Better physical health
Analog activities that get you up and moving around provide an important break from screens. Yes, you read that right! Exercise is considered analog, and according to the World Health Organization, exercise can prevent health issues caused by the sedentary lifestyle perpetuated by excessive screen time. Additionally, doing any kind of activity outdoors can help prevent the onset and progression of myopia (nearsightedness), according to optometrists from Montebello Optometry.
Though getting up and going outside aren’t the only ways physical health is improved. Symptoms of disrupted sleep and eye strain can be reduced by doing any kind of analog activity since blue light is the cause and a contributing factor, respectively, to both. Indoor or outdoor, active or sedentary.
Increased creativity
An article from Current Psychology explains that reducing interactions with screens can reduce cognitive overload, therefore allowing creativity to thrive. No bombardment of notifications that make everything seem like it’s urgent, no getting a dopamine fix from mind-numbing doomscrolling, no games that need to be checked every hour.
When it’s all out of the way, boredom and silence return. But don’t freak out, because it’s a good thing. Boredom and silence stimulate creativity.
A redditor by the username josephsoilder shared their experience on this in the r/Habits subreddit. They were working on moving away from using screens that they used to fill the silence while doing other day to day activities. On Day 12 of their journey, they experienced this: “I solved a work problem that had been driving me crazy for weeks. Just out of nowhere while washing dishes in silence. Then I got an idea for a side project. Then another one.”
Intentional living
Without the urge to check your phone constantly, life begins to feel slower again, allowing room for you to sit with yourself and consider what you really want.
A redditor by the username intentionallysimple posted on the subreddit r/selfimprovementday about how they tried to “live as analog as possible.” From which they noticed how their mornings slowed down, they felt calmer, and experienced deeper focus states. All of which is the perfect storm to begin intentionally living. No longer chained to the rhythm and instead listening to yourself and building your life around what you want.
Though there are many benefits of living in the digital age, like maintaining relationships despite geographical location and quick lookups of information, there needs to be a better balance between our real lives and our digital ones. Taking steps to achieve that, big or small, can change your life.
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