digital
detox
by Liza Pitsirilos
& LoLo Evans
Being connected to the digital world 24/7 poses challenges for creating necessary boundaries. The increased accessibility and technology use can lead to harmful consequences for your health, work, and relationships. A “Digital Detox” is an intentional break from screentime (phone, computer, TV, tablet, e-reader, etc) to enhance your wellbeing. Here are a few tips from Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa and WHEALTH Design to reduce your Tech-Stress:
Sleep: Harvard Medical School scientists found that the blue-green wavelength of screens disrupt the body’s production of melatonin and negatively affects sleep. Do you use a digital device before going to sleep? WHEALTH DESIGN TIP- Avoid the use of technology 1-2 hours before sleeping.
Posture: Increased screentime leads to poor posture and repetitive strain injuries such as eyestrain, headaches, and neck, wrist and lower back pain. Are you experiencing Tech-Posture pain? WHEALTH DESIGN TIP- Try the 30:30 Rule to increase productivity and reduce pain with prolonged screentime: Every 30 minutes, walk 30 feet from your device to get a drink of water and take 3 deep breaths.
Relationships: A study published by the Public Library of Science, found the more time a person spends on Facebook, the more dissatisfied they ultimately feel with their own life. Screen-mediated interactions do not stimulate the neurochemicals needed for full emotional wellbeing. How is screentime affecting your relationships? WHEALTH DESIGN TIP- Maximize your live social interactions at your next meal. Once guests are seated, everyone places their phones in the center of the table, face down. If anyone checks their device during the meal, they are responsible for picking up the check or doing the dishes.
Co-founders of whealthdesign.com, Liza Pitsirilos and LoLo Evans built their company around the mission to design positive shared experiences and collaborative processes to support the wellbeing and tech-life balance for individuals and organizations. WHEALTH Design, provides customized wellness coaching and design solutions based on the twelve interdependent dimensions of wellbeing. For more information visit whealthdesign.com or Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa