If you spend hours each day using electronic devices, like cell phones, computers, tablets, and video game consoles, you’ll benefit immensely from spending just 72 hours without technology. For instance, if you use a computer all day for work, or if you check your phone multiple times throughout the day, going a few days without engaging any IoT device can have a major positive impact on your life.
In the absence of tech devices for prolonged periods of time, many people report feeling better physically, having higher energy levels, and being able to think more clearly.
Even if you feel like you can’t easily step away from your devices, here are some of the best reasons to put away your devices and experiment with going just three days without technology.
Stress levels will drop
When you think about all the different websites and social media platforms you use, you might not realize how much stress those interactions are creating in your life. There’s almost no way to participate in discussions online without getting involved in some kind of argument, and that can take a toll on your mental health. Online content tends to be extremely negative, and when you eliminate that negativity from your life, even for just a few days, your stress levels will noticeably drop.
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You also won’t need to worry about where your phone is, wondering if you’ve lost it or left it in a store somewhere. Before going dark, put your phone in a protective case and stash it somewhere safe and you’ll know it will be there when you get back.
You’ll start discovering new hobbies and interests
When you’re not constantly entertained by a device, there’s a good chance you’ll find something else to do with your time. For example, you might go for a hike in the woods and try rock balancing. It’s an incredibly peaceful practice, and once you get the hang of it, it can be addictive. Instead of watching movies at night, you might feel drawn to grab a book off your bookshelf and read for a couple of hours, getting lost in a good story.
Your physical body will feel good
Using tech devices can have a negative impact on your posture, which isn’t good for your physical health. Hunching over a phone or laptop throughout the day will put chronic strain on your eyes, neck, hands, arms, and back. Not having a tech device to engage for a few days will put a temporary hold on the positions you normally get into when using your devices.
The human body is quite resilient, and if you take the time to stretch your body, elongate your spine, and pay attention to your posture, you’ll notice an improvement in how you feel. You can even use your free time to go for more walks, jog around the block, or hit the gym.
Your sleep will improve
When you stop using tech devices and turn off your Wi-Fi completely, you’ll notice a big improvement in how you sleep. Not only will you fall asleep more easily, but you’ll sleep deeper and wake up feeling more rested. Electronic devices with screens emit blue light, which disrupts your circadian rhythm and suppresses the release of melatonin. Your body needs melatonin to trigger the sleep cycle; without it, you end up staying up late, sleeping poorly, and waking up exhausted.
Many studies have been performed to test the impact technology has on sleep, and the results are not in favor of your devices. For example, if you keep your phone on at night, all the notifications that come through will disturb your sleep. The impact is even worse if you pick up your phone to check or answer those notifications because it makes it harder to get back to sleep.
You have everything to gain and nothing to lose
The benefits of taking a break from using electronic devices are clear. You have everything to gain by experimenting with going tech-free for just three days. It would be ideal if you could take a real vacation and rent an Airbnb somewhere in nature, but you don’t have to. If you choose to stay at home, turn off and store your devices in a drawer or box, and stick to your commitment not to use them for the amount of time you set. You might be pleasantly surprised at how good you feel when those three days are over.