Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

70 • Massage Therapy Journal

Soothe Relax, Rejuvenate and Stay Centered

Refresh Your Relationship to Your Digital Devices: Why a Digital Detox is Good for Your Physical and Mental Health There’s plenty to love about the handheld computers we carry around in our pockets, like But with digital devices that do it all comes some very real risks—especially if we start spending too much time in front of a screen. If you’re feeling a little too much pull toward your

being able to capture photos immediately and in the moment, getting directions that will (mostly) get us where we’re going, and allowing us to stay better connected to the people we love who don’t live close to us.

devices, consider if adding regular digital detoxes to your self-care regimen can keep you both happier and healthier. Following are a few key benefits of digital detoxes:

Improved sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone. A digital detox—especially one that includes a relaxing bedtime routine and an embargo on screens in the bedroom—can help improve sleep quality by allowing your body to naturally wind down. 1

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