Can you still remember how the world was without phones, tablets, and laptops? Don’t you miss it? You can talk to someone and be totally there listening to their stories and share your thoughts knowing that you are being heard. We’re all guilty with this one. Somebody’s talking to you and you’re busy scrolling through your newsfeed or talking to somebody else on messenger.
It’s ironic to think that these social media sites were built to connect people, though most of the time, it’s at the expense of losing personal connection with those physically around you. We are getting more connected online than we are offline.
On the other hand, the internet has a lot of benefits and thank God Mark Zuckerberg created this huge network called Facebook. Communicating to someone who’s on the other side of the globe is now so easy.
For many, disengagement from social media will require a lot of effort, but maintaining a healthy amount of internet detox will distance you from unnecessary information and communication. Take some time without the internet and it will do wonders in your life.
- You’ll be the “present man/woman.”
When you’re offline you begin to notice your environment, the wind, the sky, the trees, and the people around you. You are not escaping the moment. You are being fully present in the now. Constantly recollecting events in the past will make you regret or disappointed with your past actions (say no to throwbacks!). Thinking about the future too much will steal your joy. But being here, right now, it’s a fantastic feeling. It will keep you thankful and happy.
- You will be a relationship magnet.
(Note: Now I’m not talking about romantic ones but if it results to that well, hurrah to you.)
What do you feel when you’re talking to someone and they just nod and nod while scrolling their phone and pretend to listen to you? You get annoyed and at some degree, offended. It sends a message that the other person online is more important. This can be annoying and disrespectful. If you feel that way, then promise yourself that you won’t do the same to your friends.
- You’ll be a productivity machine.
There’s an app that tells you how many hours you’ve logged in different social media sites. Give it a try and you’ll see how much time you’ve wasted on this planet. But if you try detoxing even just for an hour a day, and really focus on your work, you’ll accomplish a lot more than you can imagine because no one or nothing is bugging you. There’s just so much to do in this world than sticking your nose on the screen. Live a life please.
- You’ll be healthier.
There are a lot of people who complain an the morning about how they got insomnia blah blah blah that’s why they can’t sleep. Oh please, look at their messenger and the ‘active ___ hours ago’ will tell you that your friend is a social media addict. Stop complaining and freaking turn your phone off. Grab a book instead. When you get more zzzzs, the benefits are a robust immune system, less hunger pangs the next day, absence of crappy mood, and a sharp mental ability. All of these can be yours if you just detox before sleep.
The bottom line is the internet is not bad. Because of it, you can express yourself. It can do miracles to your soul. Instant communication even made our roles in the society easier. But, as we get more and more connected, we must be in control of our actions. Is the internet working for you or against you? Use it as a tool to empower yourself and other people, not the other way around.
A life of presence is a life well lived. -@misskateykatey
kate samaniego 