Our world today is more hyperconnected than ever and I increasingly find myself dominated and quite literally surrounded by by screens! So today I am highlighting the crucialness of taking a digital break something I plan on doing this summer, unplugging from the increasingly addictive digital world and why so many health experts advocate for it.

Smartphones, social media, emails, and notifications all demand our constant attention, and it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and let’s be honest, just a bit mentally fatigued by it all! Compare this to 15-20 years ago when there wasn’t this constant flow of digital input which is eroding our ability to focus, to sit with our own thoughts, and in some cases build genuine human connection.

One of the most significant health benefits of a digital detox is of course the reduction of stress. Constant notifications and the pressure to always be contactable can and do lead to chronic stress or burnout without us even noticing. Moderate to excessive screen use has been linked with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, especially among teens and young adults but I think older adults can present with these issues too. Over time, this constant overstimulation can wear down our attention spans and disrupts our emotional regulation, reducing our ability to just be present in everyday life.

Whilst we often see having the world at our finger tips as the ultimate convenience, has this constant ‘on’ button become a poisoned chalice? How many times have you left home without or lost your phone and after the initial panic has worn off you have lent into the feeling of being ‘away’ from technology? A simple but powerful act of self care. What if the greatest luxury was being able to put down, switch off and walk away from modern technology and properly connect with the world and people around you?

This summer I invite you to try it and see the difference in rhythm in your life. Even short breaks such as a screen-free weekend or an evening walk without a phone can make a noticeable difference. It may just be one of the most healing decisions you can make.

Dr Elizabeth Thompson