Digital Detox: Why and How You Should Unplug

Exploring why and how you should unplug from the digital world and reconnect with offline activities this Lover Yourself Week.

Let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of scrolling when we’re supposed to be studying, or sleeping, or socialising, and taking a step back from screens is often easier said than done in today’s world. This is especially true at University, where everything from lecture content and attendance monitoring, to student groups and nights out, are all found online.

So why bother?

It’s Love Yourself Week, and we’re looking for ways to help you prioritise self-love, self-care, and mental wellbeing. 40% of social media users have said their mental health has been negatively affected by online platforms, and with the average screen time of young adults exceeding 6 hours per day in the UK, the digital world can sometimes feel pretty intense.

Taking some time away from screens has many benefits, check out some of them below:

• Increased attention span: Do you watch TikTok videos longer than 1 minute on x2 speed? Same. Unplugging yourself for even small periods of time can be great for improving focus and increasing attention span.
• Settled sleep: Blue light from screens interferes with melatonin, which regulates our sleeping patterns. Going screen free for half an hour before bed could significantly improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, so you wake up feeling rested and raring to go.
• Lower stress: High levels of screentime is associated with increased cortisol production in the body, leading to higher chronic stress. Digital detoxing is not only good for your mental health, but your physical health too!

A digital detox doesn’t have to mean going cold turkey. A gradual detox might be more attainable, especially as a student. Why not try some of the following strategies to unplug and reconnect offline:

• Easy mornings: After you hit that alarm, why not try having a screen free morning before you start your day? Building in habits like reading, or journalling instead is a great way to practice mindfulness and mentally prepare for the day ahead.
• Time blocking:  Digital technology is an inevitable component of student life, but you could avoid unnecessary distractions and social media temptation when you’re studying by using apps like Forest to ‘lock’ your phone, allowing you to crack on and get productive!
• Unfollow and unsubscribe: If you find the content you’re engaging with online often leaves you feeling worse than when you opened your phone, why not try removing these accounts and brands?
• Engage in offline activities: Reducing screentime offers a great opportunity to take up a new hobby or habit! Why not combine screen-free mornings with an exercise class, or getting outside for a walk or run? You could find a new book series to sink your teeth into before bed every evening, make more time for friends and family, or even just treat yourself to a coffee at your favourite café and watch the world go by!

There are so many ways to enjoy your free time by going screen-free, and with endless physical, mental and emotional benefits, why not give it a go this Love Yourself Week?

If you’re looking for further support, on-campus services such as the SU Advice Centre, or University’s Wellbeing Team, are available for you to reach out to.