In today’s world that practically runs on always being connected, it’s hard to unplug. Distractions hit us left and right — work emails, social media, internet browsing, etc. From our phones and tablets to our television sets and video games, the world is at our fingertips.
In general, this is a good thing. Staying connected helps us keep up with the times. But on the other hand, too much distraction can have negative consequences.
The Art of Being Fully Present
It’s easy to lose focus and spend hours sitting in front of a screen. How often have you checked Facebook only to notice that an hour later, you’re still scrolling through your news feed? How often have you lost track of time while watching television at night or playing a video game until you’ve unlocked a few new levels?
But don’t feel too guilty. Most of us do it. As mentioned, it’s deceptively easy to get lost in the digital world when it’s constantly at your fingertips.
That’s why it’s useful to believe in balance and practice it. Too much time with technology can worsen your health and take away from valuable experiences — like sitting on your phone at a park picnic table instead of taking a nature walk. And if staying digitally connected on the regular impacts your health, you can bet that it has an impact on your weight, too.
This is where mindfulness comes in particularly useful. It’s the art of being fully present and paying attention to everything around you — sights, smells, tastes, sounds, all of it.
It can help you stay grounded, find peace in the chaos and gain awareness for what’s around you. It can also help you connect deeper with your body and recognize what it needs, like a glass of water if you’re thirsty instead of a sweet soda.
When it’s a Good Time to Unplug
If you find that digital distractions might be affecting your overall health, it’s a good time to unplug and practice mindfulness. Consider these “warning signs:”
- You’re under stress and you need to recover
- Time feels like it’s slipping away
- You’ve noticed a negative change in your exercise or eating habits
- Your sleep is suffering
- You frequently lose awareness of your surroundings
- You feel physically cramped, fatigued or restless
- You’re spending less time with people than before
Conclusion
Balance is key to a healthy and happy life. It’s okay to keep in touch with your social media feed or read the news online. Just make sure you do these things in moderation. Instead of watching two hours of mindless television each evening, try limiting your T.V. time to only half an hour and take an additional hour to walk through your neighborhood. It’s important to unplug every so often for not just your physical health, but also your overall well-being.
