Pull the plug on social media's harmful habits
Is there anything you would want to do 144 times a day?
According to an online survey from review.org, that’s the average number of times that people check their phone each day. Maybe that’s why organizers came up with Global Day of Unplugging. It starts at sundown on March 7 and runs until sundown on March 8, but you can do it anytime you need a break!
Organizers hope that the “unplugging” doesn’t stop with just putting down your smart phone, but rather replacing that time connecting with the people you care about or an activity that makes your mind and body feel great!
According to University Health Sleep Medicine Specialist, Abid Bhat, MD, spending less time staring at your screen is a good thing for your health, especially for the hour or so before you go to sleep. “Your phone’s light is telling your brain that it’s time to stay awake and alert,” said Dr. Bhat. “Plus, much of the time people are reading about world news or something stressful, and the combination creates an awful start to a good night’s sleep.”
Putting down the phone can be good for your mood, too. It’s no secret that our social posts don’t always reflect reality. For example, the darling snapshot of your kiddos doesn’t tell the story of your toddler’s meltdown moments later. Somehow that doesn’t stop us from comparing our lives to a stranger’s seemingly perfect picture.
If you’re a regular reader of Vital KC, you’ll remember that we told you the US Surgeon General says we’re suffering from a loneliness epidemic. UH Psychologist Jennifer Keller, PsyD, has long advised that spending time with friends in-person, versus just commenting on their social media page, helps us form the bonds that humans crave.
Have we convinced you to give “unplugging” a shot? If you’re struggling, here are some helpful tips:
- Turn on notifications/alarms to remind you when it’s time to stop scrolling
- Create “phone-free” areas of your home, such as your bedroom or where the family gathers for meals
- Partner up with a friend to keep you accountable
- Check out a page-turning novel you can’t put down
- Reward yourself for time spent off-line with a small piece of dark chocolate or a great cup of coffee