The Power of Digital Detox – Improve Well-Being in a Post-Pandemic World

Take a Tech Break

Sometimes, we all need to step away from the screen. TVs, smartphones, computers, and tablets are essential for our personal and professional lives, but a periodic reboot can be beneficial as we navigate the new normal of post-pandemic life.

Perhaps we had some downtime during the quarantine. Remember those 5-mile walks? Life is again picking up the pace. Zoom calls initially seemed like the model of effective time management. We pack them in back-to-back because they seem to be more convenient than attending a “live” meeting. Throwing an extra remote session into our day adds more screen time and subtracts the physical connection.

When we all worked in a “real” office, we got up from our desks to make copies, visit the breakroom for a cup of joe, and caught up with co-workers about last night’s game. Maybe you walked down to the first floor to chat with a colleague. We were on our feet, having face-to-face conversations and moving around.

Even if it’s a few days a week, the shift to remote work has come at a price. We need to learn to manage our stress, take a breath, and relax our mind and body–and it’s not just physical. The Mayo Clinic advises that our bodies are designed to release adrenaline and cortisol in reaction to stressful situations, communicating with the parts of the brain that control mood, motivation, and fear. Stress can cause anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, weight gain, and memory issues.

Stepping away from the screen and taking that break—even for 30 minutes–can be one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Just as our brains react to stress, they can also be reprogrammed to learn how to relax. Deep breathing exercises, healthy diets, and meditation all play a part in mitigating stress.

Go for a walk, call a friend, keep a journal. Take an afternoon to volunteer. Step outside of and away from your ‘box’! This is permission for you to spend an hour or so watching your favorite Netflix series (don’t overdo it!).

At Dataprobe, we’re big believers in tech, but we also understand the value of a good reboot. The world won’t stop turning if you turn off your phone for an hour. Make sure you make a habit of rebooting yourself as well.