Maybe time for digital detoxification?

More and more people decide to try digital detoxification. However, according to the expert, the will alone may not be enough to make this process successful.

« Social networks are likely to cause unpleasant sensations at first, as we will have to face ourselves and our feelings that we often run away every time we take the phone in our hands. But after one or two days, the motivation of loneliness will decrease and thoughts will no longer be depressed.

In the morning the brain has not yet wandered

It has not been fully confirmed that the use of social networks causes addiction, but it is increasingly said that the signs are similar.

« People have lost their connection with their body, mind and feelings. They always need to do something, to focus anywhere. We no longer just stand still standing and watching the environment. When a person stops, he is scared because he suddenly begins to feel any feelings.

According to him, people are particularly harmed by people in diving into social networks just after awakening, when the brain is not ready to wake up and we load them with a large amount of information. In addition, it seems innocent half an hour on the phone significantly reduces dopamine stocks, leading to a proportionate decline in motivation to do something.

« Winnie the Pooh said: The best moment in life is that you taste honey. Similarly, it is with our dopamin. It stands out at a time when we look at one post on social networks and look forward to something. It is distinguished by the difficult task of solving us, ”explains D. Jakučionis.

It is advisable to use social networks at least two hours after waking up. The phone should not be taken a few hours before bed, otherwise the brain is unable to process large amounts of visual information and occur as a result of sleep disorders.

Dainius Jakučionis / Photo by Personal Archive

Offers delete gadgets

D. Jakučionis advises: Before you start digital detoxification, analyze the statistics on how many times a day you take your phone in your hands, how long the screen is on. Many people are shocked by these statistics.

« You can try to play and reduce the number of phone picking up. When you start watching yourself, you will be surprised that you do it automatically and usually when you have nothing to do or run away from any emerging feeling, » says the psychotherapist.

He notes that it takes great will to get away from social networks for a while. Therefore, it is advised to simply delete gadgets from the phone during detoxification and block them on your computer.

« Another useful way is to set reminders on your phone. There are gadgets that help you use social networks more consciously. The biggest problem is that people dive automatically to social networks, and short stops allow you to think, » Jakučionis shares.

When a person stops for at least a few minutes, he is scared because he suddenly begins to feel any feelings, he becomes scary. Then you dive into social networks that help to direct those thoughts.

Strict recommendations for children

Being on the screens is particularly involved in children. According to the psychotherapist, if the child becomes very annoyed and angry with the phone or computer, it may be a sign that something is wrong.

« Children who spend more time at the screen than recommended are much harder to concentrate on, say, math task. If you fail to solve quickly, they get annoyed because there is no sense of satisfaction they are used to quickly playing video games or surfing on social networks, » explains the psychotherapist.

He advises scientists’ recommendations on how long children should be allowed to the screen.

« Children who spend a lot of time at the screens often become comfortable for parents – they are not concerned. But this should not be the case. If the child is constantly playing video games, he or she may feel lonely and has no one to communicate. Parents are responsible for their children’s physical and emotional health, so it is important to establish clear rules.

Let’s think: we take away the basics of a healthy childhood from our offspring to use smart devices. / Photo by Freepik.com

This is important

Recommendations for researchers at Vilnius University, how long children should spend on the screen:

• The time of 6 to 10 years of age at the screens for entertainment should not exceed one hour a day and the total time for various activities is two hours.

• Adolescents aged 11-14 are offered time to limit the screens for up to two hours and the total time for up to three hours a day.