Why We Need To Go On An Electronic Fast In The Tech Era

Millennials are complaining about how there is a lack of ‘true’ friendships and relationships. We aspire to have friendships that resemble the TV series ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’, but are unable to devote an appropriate amount of time to develop it.

The good news, though, is that we know the culprit (technology), the bad news is we don’t want to punish it. However, there are solutions such as undergoing an “electronic fast”.

Technology - an addiction

The technology boom has brought so many advantages that we have become addicted to it. And just like other addictions, this one is threatening to become as dangerous as the others.

The release of the chemical, dopamine, on seeing a notification, sets us in a reward seeking motivation, which when completed gives us satisfaction. This cycle makes it difficult for us to be without our phones while walking, talking or sleeping

How technology is impairing our personal lives

This technology attachment detaches us from the rest of the world. Our sleep gets compromised. This in turn has a negative effect on our health. The crankiness and mood swings affect our work, our talks with the family and also our ‘me time’. The instant gratification for our work or Instagram posts puts us into a short-term mindset and the larger picture gets blurred.

Ways to deal with it - Electronic fasting

Simon Sinek, a British-American author and motivational speaker, says “the best way to get rid of addictions is to remove the temptation”. Thus the electronic fasting or ‘E-fasting’ removes the temptation, in this case gadgets, and helps us get rid of our addictions. Here are a few tips to get you started on an electronic fast:

• Delete social media apps from your phones. If you want to access them, use their m-sites. This will give you enough time to think whether you are using the platform automatically or willfully.
• Go to settings, and switch off the notifications for apps like whatsapp. This way you would check the app only when you want to and not when the app wants you to.
• To start with an E-fast, switch off your phone and hide it for around three hours to start with. Increase the duration and slowly try for a day, two days and more.
• When you start disconnecting from your phone, you’ll find ample of free time. Use that in ‘actual’ talking with people who matter, go for a walk in the nearby park, learn or play a music instrument or go take a nap.
• Replace the Instagram travel stories with an actual trip. A weekend trip nearby can give you the desired peace and stability.

So let's disconnect to reconnect. Have a happy E-fast!

Also Read: Digital Detox - Know how it helps bizwomen

Rachna Chandira is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv