The Benefits of a Digital Detox for Students

Posted by Annabel Smith on

Have you ever been sent a recap of your weekly screen time and been horrified at the result? Before you’ve even realised, you may have averaged 5 hours a day on your phone, and you might wonder, what on earth did I do for all that time? If this sounds like you, then you may be in need of a digital detox. Our friends over at Collegiate UK have kindly given some advice and tips on how to complete a digital detox below, so you can concentrate on your studies, and be one with the world outside of a smartphone!


What is a Digital Detox?

There’s no doubt that technology has made our lives far easier, especially when it comes to online shopping, researching for uni assignments and googling easy recipes. However, it can so quickly take a toll on our mental health and well-being. A digital detox allows you to press pause on that screen time and focus on other things you enjoy – to scroll less and live more.

The way you choose to limit your tech time is entirely up to you. Your digital detox could involve putting a 15-minute limit on certain apps, deleting a social media account, or setting yourself the challenge of going completely cold turkey.


What Are the Benefits of a Digital Detox?


Getting Some Solid Sleep In

Screens, especially smartphones and computers, emit blue light. This kind of light can particularly upset your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. So, while catching up on the latest Netflix series or reading an eBook may feel relaxing, it can make it tougher to drift off. What’s more, going to sleep with your phone right next to you can make it tempting to check notifications, preventing you from properly winding down. Limiting technology before bed will give your brain the chance to relax and unwind, allowing you to get some solid sleep in.


Boosting Productivity

It’s so easy nowadays to fall down a TikTok rabbit hole, dooming scrolling over the latest scandal. But it’s no secret that social media is a great distraction and a great means of procrastination. Setting boundaries where you promise yourself to shut down from socials can help you to focus on the important tasks such as revising or tidying up.