How to Reconnect with Yourself in a Tech-Filled Society

Written by: Myrtle Bautista

Image source: Pixabay

Technology has brought about several benefits. It helps us communicate more easily and provides instant access to information. However, there are times when our tech-filled society has made it more difficult to reconnect with ourselves. The constant stimulation from screens and notifications can make us forget living in the present. 

Learning how to reconnect with yourself in a tech-filled society can help us find a balance between using technology and living a meaningful life. Let’s learn more about how to navigate this balance in this article.

Importance of Reconnecting With Oneself

Many social media platforms are designed to keep us hooked. They use well-thought-out algorithms so that you continue scrolling through your phone. It causes constant distractions where you don’t get to fully focus on anything anymore. 

This constant stimulation also keeps us in a state of heightened alertness and ultimately increases anxiety. If you forget to take a step back, it can negatively impact your mental health. 

Constant scrolling also creates a sense of “Fear of Missing Out,” where you think that something good may happen while you’re not on your phone. Moreover, constantly interacting with content that promotes low self-esteem can trigger comparison or self-doubt.

When you reconnect with yourself, you can find more peace and focus on your values. This helps prevent moments where you run on external influences rather than your own values and desires. 

Practical Tips on Reconnecting With Yourself

Here are some ways you can reconnect with yourself despite the constant distraction of phones, screens, and social media:

1. Establish Tech Free Times Daily

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re mindlessly scrolling on social media. The constant influx of new content can make it difficult to put your phone down. In some cases, technology also breaks the boundaries of work and home. Some workplaces may reach out beyond work hours, which makes you feel compelled to respond to emails and work messages even when you’re not working. 

Establishing tech-free times daily is a great way to find time to reconnect with yourself. For instance, you may want to set a schedule of not using your phone beyond a certain time, like 10 pm. Others may want to set certain times of the day, like meal times, as tech-free hours. 

Having dedicated moments wherein you’re not attached to your screen can create space for self-reflection. It also helps you build a healthier relationship with your devices.

2. Prioritize Hobbies That Don’t Involve Screens

Since your devices can provide endless entertainment, it’s easy to rely on them to pass the time. However, swapping these idle moments spent on your device for screen-free hobbies can help you feel more fulfilled.

Prioritizing hobbies such as reading physical books, painting, and cooking, can help decrease your screen time. They also give you a sense of accomplishment as you feel like you’re using your time more wisely. 

Giving more effort into hobbies that don’t involve technology can help you discover what you genuinely enjoy. For some, integrating natural solutions such as cannabis can further enhance relaxation and promote a sense of well-being. It’s a great way to stimulate creativity and reduce stress, leading to a more meaningful life. 

3. Engage in Physical Activities

Whenever you use your phone, a neurotransmitter called dopamine is released in your brain. Dopamine makes us feel good since it’s responsible for pleasure and satisfaction. However, this can create a disconnect because you tend to rely on notifications or new content for dopamine release.

Engaging in physical activities is an alternative way to release dopamine without relying on your screen. Walking, going to the gym, or attending a workout class can naturally release dopamine. 

To make this experience more fulfilling, engage in physical activities without distractions. For example, try going to the gym without listening to music or watching videos. This helps you fully immerse yourself and makes you more present in the moment. 

4. Try a Digital Detox

For those who want the full experience of reconnecting with themselves, you may want to try a digital detox. A digital detox is when you take a few days to fully disconnect from technology and social media. 

There are many benefits of trying a digital detox. It can help you feel less anxious and stressed out since you don’t feel pressured to be constantly connected with others through your devices. It also encourages you to find more joy in offline activities and have more meaningful relationships with others. 

To plan a digital detox, it’s okay to start small. Try starting with even half a day. Then, you can work your way towards an additional day or two. If you must, communicate your plan with friends and family. This way, they know that you’re unavailable for a certain amount of time.

Final Words

It may be difficult to find time to reconnect with yourself, given our tech-filled society – but it’s not impossible. There are different ways to help you take a step back and engage in fulfilling activities beyond your screen. Trying some of the tips above are just some of the ways to help reduce time on your devices for a more meaningful life.