Are We More Connected, or Just More Distracted?
Have you ever noticed how refreshed you feel after a weekend in nature, away from emails and screens? I know I do. In our world, designed to keep us connected 24/7 (which has so many gifts of course, especially in the medical field), our nervous systems rarely get a real chance to rest. But what if the greatest source of clarity, creativity and wellbeing isn’t in the next screen scroll but; in something as simple as silence?
The Ancient Rhythm of Presence
In Yogic philosophy, presence isn’t just a practice; it’s a way of Being.
Patanjali, the ancient sage behind the Yoga Sutras, talks about “Nirodha” which is the stilling of the mind and its restless waves. That stillness just can’t happen when our minds are constantly overstimulated. Every ping, every app, every tab we jump between fragments our attention and makes our inner compass feel cloudy and even weak.
We forgot that Presence is where intuition lives, where fresh ideas quietly arise. It’s a place that can’t be “downloaded” or forced, and it just simply needs space.
Modern Science Meets Ancient Wisdom
Studies show that unplugging does in fact boost memory, sleep and creative problem-solving.
A study from the University of Utah in 2012 found that people who spent four days in nature without any technology scored 50% higher on creativity tests,
Another from 2017 showed that just 20 minutes outside can significantly lower cortisol, the stress hormone. And more recently, in 2022, a study showed that a 7 day digital detox brought real improvements in mood, focus and sleep with of course less anxiety and digital burnout.
Easier said than done, how to find a day off, let alone 7 days! But Our brains need these breaks. I say, it doesn’t have to be long breaks, finding the pauses in the common day to day routine; maybe while waiting in line? sipping a fresh smoothie? During that 15 minute lunch break without a phone? A conscious effort, yes, but worth the effort for the sake of our imagination returns.
Your Gentle Unplug
Well, start thinking wider, by taking small steps of course, maybe one day a week, put the phone away for a few hours or even just one hour. I get it, easier said than done! Try taking a morning walk without music or eat dinner without screens. We often think changes need to be BIG, but simply journal, scribble, or paint, just let your thoughts come and go. Notice what new space opens inside you.
In unplugging, you are not losing connection, if anything, you are actually reclaiming the deepest connection; with no other than yourself.
What has been the biggest misconception about Digital Detox you have come across?I would love to hear your thoughts, please share them with me on rana@awaken-wellness.co
