Have you ever logged into TikTok for a few minutes and without realizing it, spent hours on the app? If the answer is yes, it is because the video platform is highly addictive, just like other social networks and technological devices. Above all, mobile devices, which become another extension of our lives. However, these can have negative effects on our daily development, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, emotional exhaustion, poorer quality of sleep, sedentary lifestyle, and in the worst case damage to visual health, as revealed by several studies.
On the contrary, its importance for communication, the formation of personal relationships, self-expression, and its transformative role in education are also recognized. Therefore, given the boom in new technologies and the bombardment of content on social networks, experts recommend taking digital breaks and controlling the time we spend in front of these devices.
What Is Technological Intermittent Fasting?
The concept of ‘technological intermittent fasting‘ is relatively new, and refers to a strategy that involves abstaining from electronic devices, intending to improve mental health and reduce dependence on technology. Excessive consumption of a lot of information can cause serious emotional and psychological problems. The voluntary pause in the use of technological devices can be 24 hours or a week and seeks to reduce connection time and with it the problems that information overload implies. Therefore, do not hesitate to put this practice into practice at least one day a week to detoxify your brain from so much information and put the following tips into practice:
Define Specific Goals
Set clear goals for the technology fast. For example, places and times when you can and cannot use your cell phone and internet access. Having clear objectives will help maintain commitment.
Gradually Disconnect
No beginning is easy, even worse if the challenge seems very difficult to you, that is why make small changes that little by little help you achieve the goal, such as not looking at your phone an hour before going to sleep or when you are just getting up from bed. bed.
Activate Airplane Mode and Try Different Schedules
As not all schedules work for everyone, one option is to try disconnecting at different times, especially when you have encounters with other people, such as dinner time, activate airplane mode, and keep your phone away to avoid the temptation to check it. in every moment.
Prepare a Diary
To evaluate how effective digital fasting is, it is necessary to know how much progress is being made, which is why it is important to note how many hours the use of the phone is being avoided and the main obstacles that are occurring.
Relaxation Routines
Fasting not only focuses on stopping using digital devices but also on incorporating other strategies, such as relaxation, which will help maintain a good state of mental health. Practicing yoga, reading a book, going for a walk, swimming, or focusing on other recreational activities can help.
Application Cleanup
Evaluate the value you give to each application whether they are part of your work or personal life and which of these harms your personal development. Uninstall those that are an obstacle to meeting your goal of technological fasting, such as TikTok or Instagram.
Reward Yourself
Every time you manage to reach a set goal, it is rewarding yourself, with a sweet, special meal. Avoid rewarding yourself with more time on devices, that counts as cheating.
This story was written in Spanish by Daniel Matute in Cultura Colectiva.