DIGITAL DETOX: RECLAIMING MENTAL CLARITY IN A CONNECTED WORLD

May being the Mental Health Awareness month, have you ever found yourself aimlessly and mindlessly scrolling on your phone for hours? For many of us, our phones have practically become glued to our hands. Although social media, especially TikTok, WhatsApp and Instagram  keeps us informed, educated, connected and entertained, it can also take a toll on our mental health, and most times, we do not even notice when this happens.

Being always connected online can feel empowering, but it can also be overwhelming. Scrolling on social media through perfect pictures and often makes us feel like we are not doing enough yet most of these are either edited, staged or filtered. They are rarely real life.

Studies have shown that excessive screen time and most especially on social media can lead to:

• Anxiety and depression
• Poor sleep quality
• Low self-esteem
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

In Kenya, like many other African countries where access to mental health support is still limited, social media often becomes our go to for escape. However, this escape is what is likely to keep us from actually dealing with the real-life struggles in a health way.

What Is a Digital Detox?

A digital detox is when you intentionally take breaks from your online platforms like social media to reconnect with your thoughts, emotions, and real-life experiences. This can be staying offline for a few hours every day, spending a full day in nature without your phone, or even turning off

Importance of Digital Detox

1. Mental Clarity – When you unplug from social media, your brain gets a break from constant stimulation. You will even notice increased focus, creativity and reduced anxiety.
2. Better Sleep – Logging off from social media helps you to have better rest. Also, the blue light from the screen always disrupts your sleep cycle.
3. Deeper Connections – Spending less time online frees you and allows you to build stronger face-to-face relationships with your family, friends and even yourself.
4. Time for Self Growth – Imagine what you could achieve with the time spent scrolling. You could use that time to learn a new skill, volunteer for charity or even get a work out.

Being that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I dare you to challenge yourself to unplug, even for a day. Your mental clarity is totally worth it.

Sources:

1. Mhone, C. (2024). Effectiveness of Digital DetoxInterventions in Mitigating the Negative Effects ofSocial Media among Adolescents and Young Adultsin Malawi. International Journal of Psychology, 8(4),43 – 52. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijp.2422
2. Khalaf AM, Alubied AA, Khalaf AM, Rifaey AA. The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2023 Aug 5;15(8):e42990. doi: 10.7759/cureus.42990. PMID: 37671234; PMCID: PMC10476631.

Lots of Love,

Ochillo Marylyn