Benefits of a Digital Detox?

I was just scrolling through some news articles on the internet over the weekend and I found one that is extremely relevant to the current Covid-19 climate.

It was talking about doing a digital detox, what it is, why we should do it and what the health benefits are!

The reason I thought it was especially important is because a lot of my patients are coming in to see me complaining more of back and neck pain, headaches, general body pain and poor sleep than they normally would.

Obviously there is a huge amount of stress happening over the last couple of months because of Covid-19. Due to work restrictions and social distancing a lot of my patients are set up at home doing their office or school work in less than ideal conditions.

The situations that they are in coupled with lack of exercise are not ergonomically designed to promote great postural hygiene causing slumped forward postures leading to back, neck pain and headaches.

For example, sitting on the couch, the bed, or chairs that can’t be adjusted, using only a lap-top, iPad or playing on smart phones for hours on end, watching Netflix or gaming!  

Many of my patients have been telling me they seem to be working even harder and longer hours with much less exercise and movement than when they actually went in to the office. Working in the office they have to get up fairly regularly to have meetings with colleagues therefore taking short breaks. Now this is just not happening.

I found the article below from the Beyond Blue website however, if you search on the net for the benefits of doing a digital detox there are numerous great tips and advice on the whys and what for’s!

Here’s a question: how many hours today have you been more than a metre away from your mobile phone?

For most people, the answer will be a few hours or less. For others, it may even be no time at all. In today’s technology-driven world, the smartphone has almost become an extension of the human hand, an accessory so essential that you feel naked without it. It’s often the last thing we look at before going to sleep, and the first thing we look at when we wake up.

Research from Deloitte’s annual Mobile Consumer Survey report shows that 44 per cent of people in Australia think their phone use is a problem and are trying to reduce how much time they spend on it.

When you’re not looking at your phone, there’s a strong chance you’re looking at a computer or watching TV – home entertainment streaming services like Netflix have such a large range that, let’s be honest, one episode is rarely enough. Then there’s your work life. So many jobs today involve staring at a computer screen for large portions of the day. When you take a step back and look at your daily lifestyle, it can feel like there’s no escaping the screen. But the benefits of cutting back are well worth the effort.

You don’t have to completely cut yourself off from the world like Tom Hanks in Castaway. However, doing a digital detox every now and then will have some great benefits on your well-being. Here are five key ones:

• A more content and calmer you. There have been thousands of social experiments where people have taken a break from technology and the participants are almost always surprised to find themselves less stressed because of it. When you’re on your phone or absorbed in your emails, you’re not living in the present. It’s only when you open your eyes to the here and now that you realise how easy it is to miss out on the good things around you.
• You’ll be more productive. Let’s be honest – a lot of the time you’re checking your social media channels and scrolling through your friend’s travel pics, rather than responding to messages or connecting with others. Taking a break from technology will show just how much time you waste on it!
• Healthier relationships. If you’re stuck in cyber world too long, your social connections in real life can take a back seat. Take this – 43 per cent of people in Australia who are in a relationship believe their partner uses their phone too much and 70 per cent admit to using their phone during mealtimes with family or friends. We all know that person who doesn’t get off their phone at dinner. Don’t be that person!
• Your physical health will improve. If your eyes are glued to the screen, you’re probably sitting or lying down. A growing obesity problem in Australia is partly because of a lifestyle tied to the couch staring at a screen. It’s not only terrible for your lower back and neck, it’s also bad on your waist line. Unplug, go outside and get the blood moving. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel.
• Improved sleep. When your body knows it’s time to sleep, your brain releases a chemical called melatonin, which helps the body relax and prepare for some shut-eye. Science has shown that when you look at a screen before bedtime, your brain is tricked into thinking it must remain alert and awake, preventing melatonin from being released. So, if you’re one of the 46 per cent of people in Australia who use their phone immediately before going to bed, now you know why you might be tossing and turning in bed wondering why you can’t get to sleep.

Technology is incredible and the benefits are huge in so many aspects of everyday life. However, being able to unplug and have some time away from the screen will leave you re-energised and more in touch with the world around you. 

These are just some of the benefits, there are also plenty more on other websites. The point is this is a time where we should all take a step back and take time for ourselves in order to rest and relax for ourselves every now and then.

If we don’t take this time now we may run the risk of becoming run-down and being more susceptible to illness and disease in the future.

So I challenge you to be more mindful of the amount of time you are spending on your phones and to actively make the decision to disconnect from technology and enjoy the wonders of nature.

Jun 02, 2020 By Dr Shinae Brownrigg

B.Sc. (Chiro), B.Chiro DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Shinae is all about balance in life and helping others to achieve their health goals. She has a huge desire to learn more so she can share her knowledge with those around her. She loves to educate the public about natural health care options as well as how to main your spine so you can get the most out of your retirement years in the future. Dr Shinae believes prevention is always better than a cure and that it is very difficult to achieve the same level of activity with an injured or degenerate spine.