Reclaiming Balance and Inner Calm
In today's hyperconnected world, we find ourselves immersed in a constant stream of information, bombarded by notifications, news updates, and a myriad of digital stimuli. The effects of this relentless overstimulation on our nervous systems and overall well-being are profound, yet often overlooked as many don’t realize their own electronic consumption. As a somatic specialist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the destructive impact of excessive media exposure on mental and physical health. Below I shed light on these effects and provide practical tips to help individuals rebalance and restore health amidst the chaos of modern life.
The Detrimental Effects of Information Overload:
The human nervous system was not designed to withstand the persistent onslaught of digital information. Excessive media consumption and screen time can lead to heightened stress levels, disrupted sleep patterns, decreased attention span, and a compromised ability to regulate emotions. These symptoms can significantly impact both mental and physical well-being, contributing to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and disconnection, as well as create a variety of addictions.
Creating Healthy Boundaries:
One of the first steps in reclaiming balance is to establish healthy boundaries with media consumption. Setting limits on screen time, creating designated tech-free zones in the home, and scheduling intentional breaks from digital devices can help in mitigating the effects of overstimulation. By consciously curating our exposure, we empower ourselves to regain control over our well-being and mental clarity.
Once you start to get conscious about this, you may notice that even when you try to avoid or limit exposure, you’ll get hit with it unexpectedly, such as when you are out shopping, in waiting rooms, gyms, restaurants, and other places we consider as areas for taking a "break." Be prepared for these. I’m never without a set of ear plugs. When I know I have to go somewhere and wait, I bring a book, my earplugs and some seriously purposeful breathing.
Create tech-free zones in your own home as well. Designate certain areas in the home, such as the dining room or bedroom, as tech-free zones. Bonus: this can promote more mindful and present interactions with others as well.
Set specific time limits for yourself. Establish designated times for screen use and stick to them. This may involve scheduling "screen-free" periods throughout the day or setting a time limit for overall screen use. Most phones these days come with options to set screen time limits, as do many of the social media apps. You can also turn off the notifications on your phone. You don’t need to be alerted to everything going on in your phone at all times.
Mindfulness Practices for Inner Calm:
Incorporating mindfulness techniques into our daily lives can foster presence and inner peace amidst the noise of modern life.
When you catch yourself reaching for your phone out of habit, pause and ask yourself,
"What am I really wanting in this moment?"
The chances of it being, “even more information that I probably won’t retain anyway” are rather slim. So what’s really happening for you at that moment? Use these impulses as an opportunity to be mindful. Take a few breaths before you fall into habit.
Somatic Exercises for Nervous System Restoration:
In addition to mindfulness practices, engaging in somatic techniques such as gentle movements, breathwork, and body scans can be transformative. The release of accumulated stress helps restore equilibrium to the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility. Many people find that they are less inclined to seek distractions once they realize that their own mind and body can be a pleasant place to reside.
Personal Insights:
Throughout my personal journey I have consciously strived to navigate the digital age with intention. I invite you to join me on this journey. Unplug from the news, social media, and possibly screens altogether for a few days. If you discover that you didn't miss them, get curious about why the urge to return arises.
On the other hand, if you find yourself missing them intensely, try to non-judgmentally get curious about that yearning and what it may reveal.
I haven’t even addressed just how much your physical being will appreciate this break. Your eyes, neck and shoulders, just to name a few, will be most grateful.