In an age where constant connectivity is the norm, unplugging has become a rare luxury. We live in a world where notifications never stop and social media feeds seem endless, pulling us into an exhausting cycle of digital engagement. How do we escape from the digital drama when all we do revolves around our cellphones and laptops? Oh, the panic when we forgot a phone at home or at the office.
And the frowns when a sent message or e-mail is not replied to immediately, not to mention the instant feelings of dread that follow. ALSO READ: World Mental Health Day: The role of phones in supporting mental health Why do we allow such tools to complicate our lives? When will we take the necessary steps to reclaim our mental space and well-being? When load shedding was still a daily given, people rushed to stores to buy battery packs. And not just one, because what if that one goes flat and the electricity is still not back by the time the device dies? Panic stations.
Drama. Stress. And did the world end when your devices died for a few hours? No, it did not.
Is now not the perfect time? Unplug. I dare you! Even in small doses. It allows us to step away from the barrage of information and the pressure to constantly respond, post, or react.
We do not realise that excessive screen time can lead to increased stress, anxiety and even sleep disturbances. It’s not just about the time spent online – it’s the psychological toll of always being “on”. By taking a digital detox, we can .