Right from the alarm that wakes you up in the morning, and the ad that pops up when you try to snooze it to your online classes, we're constantly being exposed to digital media. We're reliant on gadgets for entertainment, education, and even work; this begs the question, is this level and quantum of reliance destroying us? I'm afraid the answer is in the affirmative. This calls for us to make a conscious shift from digital to physical. But how is it that we shift from digital to physical then?
1. Compartmentalize - Take a different approach for each avenue and compartmentalize -
a. Work and Education - For aspects like work, one has no choice but to rely on digital, but in avenues like education, though reliance on digital is inevitable, it can be minimized. The use of books, libraries, and other resources, to deliberately minimize the use of digital is not a far-fetched idea.
b. Entertainment - Now, talking about entertainment is another ball game altogether. Though, it's true that we're spoilt by choice when it comes to entertainment - countless social media websites like Instagram and Twitter, OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime, etc., podcasts, and even now even e-books. It is enticing to take the easier route and give in to the gamut of easy, entertaining, but damaging options available. Setting a fixed and limited time slots to this helps.
Engage in outdoor/indoor Sports, hobbies like dance, knitting, basically anything of your choice helps in your development and at the same time moves you away from the digital chaos.
2. Know that it's damaging - It is often contested that since all information is available online, most have no choice but to constantly consume digital media. What needs to be understood is our unflinching reliance on digital media, from all directions possible, is engulfing us in digital junk. Acknowledge the threat, and your mind will automatically avoid it!
3. Old is Gold - Books have been written for more than a thousand years now, exploring different themes, avenues, and interests, about everything under the sun, just name it, and you have it! Entice your mind to explore this wide world of books!
4. A book a day keeps the doctor away? - Sounds strange, doesn't it? Increasing digital intoxication in children and adolescents can have grave implications on their physical and mental health, doctors warn. The most common health risks are related to the appearance of physical diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis, as well as disorders of a psychological nature, among which are nomophobia, depression, and altered moods due to Internet addiction, and disconnection anxiety, among others. So, the best way to avoid this is taking to books and hence, 'a book a day keeps the doctor away.'
5. Make a community - A bunch of like-minded people who want to make this shift can come together, keep each other in check, and also motivate each other!
6. Habits - not so fragile as your laptop screens! - Once you take to books, and it becomes a habit, the digital junk won't entice you, so just give it 7 days and religiously, deliberately try to make a change and it will work wonders!
Comments