Disconnect to reconnect
Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose
In a world consumed by social media, instant gratification and constant access to information, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. However, the appeal and convenience of the internet come with an addictive nature that many aren’t aware they’ve succumbed to. With endless content to consume, notifications to respond to and new apps to download it’s easy to zone out and not realise how many hours have passed while we’ve been staring at our phones
For most people, we turn to our many screens to disconnect and unwind after a long day, as it allows us to switch off our brains and mindlessly explore the internet or binge-watch movies and TV shows. Which can be quite okay in moderation, though moderation takes self-awareness and self-discipline. This small part of our day can be impacting us in more ways than we think and it’s time we all evaluate what cost we are willing to pay for it
Are we willing to let virtual connections and content overshadow our real-life relationships, impact our mental health, and lower our productivity and work ethic? Though it may be difficult at first, disconnecting from our screens and online presence can prove to be liberating, empowering and the break our creative minds need to find magic in the world again
The internet's addictive nature serves as a reminder of the importance of balance, self-awareness, and mindful use of technology in order to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. It is essential that we remind ourselves that the allure of endless scrolling, binge-watching, and online gaming can consume our time and energy, often at the expense of real-world experiences and connections
Intentionally taking a break from our screens allows us to reevaluate how we want to spend our time and where we want to place our attention. Does scrolling through social media move us closer to our goals or are we wasting our time? Is there something else we could be doing that would actually be restful and recharge our batteries?
Stepping back and asking ourselves questions like these, gives us the opportunity to make better decisions and feel better for it. It also offers us the chance to recenter and be present with our thoughts and emotions, rather than ignoring them and suppressing them with the constant distractions available to us through said screens
It is so easy to get stuck in the habit of reaching for our phones, computers and TV remotes in our downtime, but what if we started going outside, sitting on the grass, breathing in the fresh air, looking into the distance and allowing our nervous systems to rest and regulate themselves
It might not seem like it, but using social media is an energy exchange. We are giving pieces of our energy to every post we watch or read. It can seem like we are resting when we’re mindlessly scrolling, but it’s actually draining us. Social media, at its core, represents an intricate balance of giving and receiving energy, ultimately shaping our moods and mindsets, whether we are aware of its impact or not
Becoming more mindful of this fact and taking the action required to protect ourselves and our energy can completely shift our mood, mindset and motivation
