A digital detox is a period of time during which you intentionally reduce the amount of time you spend online on your devices. It can range from a few days to several months, and the specifics are different from person to person. During a digital detox, you may avoid using electronic devices or certain media, such as checking email, playing video games, scrolling social media, text messaging, using smartphones or tablets, and watching news or other TV programs. A subset of digital detox is social media detox, which is a period of time when individuals voluntarily stay away from social media. The purpose of a digital detox is to allow ourselves time to experience real life without distractions, to reconnect with individuals personally rather than through a screen, and to take time to de-stress and step away from all that connectedness.

Here are some reasons why you might need a digital detox:

• Heavy smartphone use can cause changes in your brain, and every scroll or swipe sends a hit of dopamine to the same areas of your brain that respond to addictive and dangerous drugs like cocaine.
• All that time online can cause self-image problems, low self-esteem, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, weight gain, unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, lack of time management, and work ethic problems.
• If you ignore responsibilities at home or work because of the amount of time you spend online, then consider a digital detox. Another red flag is if you’re losing interest in being social in person because you’d rather just connect with people online.
• Excess tech use may be getting in the way of your wellness. Doing a digital detox may even help improve your sleep, relationships, and mood.
• When you step away from your devices and focus on the real world, youll experience several benefits, including less stress, improved sleep, better relationships, increased productivity, and more time for hobbies and activities.

If you think tech use is affecting your physical and mental well-being, taking time away from things you need to get done, or both, it may be time for a digital detox. You don’t have to quit your devices altogether -- just do what works best for your lifestyle.