How To Stay Grounded In a Digital World | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

How To Stay Grounded In a Digital World

Lock your phone screen and notice something else for a moment.

14
How To Stay Grounded In a Digital World
IBS Intelligence

Being a millennial is awesome in so many ways. I’ve always considered myself lucky to be born when I was -- early enough to remember some kind of simplicity, but late enough to hop on the coattails of technologies quickening advancements. It seemed almost like night and day, going from a world with landlines and pagers to a society dominated by social media.

It began with AIM, then quickly migrated to MySpace. Facebook became a thing when I was in eighth grade, and you better believe I immediately hopped on that bandwagon. Then Youtube, Twitter and Tumblr popped up; followed by Instagram, then Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, Linkedin and so many others I can’t even keep track. Though I’ve studied digital media for the past four years, I’ve recently found myself overstimulated by it all. Facebook went from somewhere you could stay connected, to a place where people voice their self-important opinions and compare themselves to the likes of their friends. Instagram teeters on the fine line of a photo sharing app and a place of self-assessment. As for the others? We’ll that’s like entering a new world. Yet, I still find myself entering these worlds for a decent amount of time, every single day.

After spending probably way too long watching makeup tutorials, Instagram stalking numerous people I’ve never even met before and pinning outfits I’ll never be able to afford, pull off or fit into, I’ve realized that I may be using all of these tools for the wrong reasons - and probably a little too often. I love social media, but let’s be honest, we spend way too much time lost in its digital grasp. This year, I aim to cut down on my social media intake, stop comparing myself to all of these wonderful people of the internet and remember what life was like when I was younger. So if you find yourself in need of a media hiatus, and are ready to admit that relying on a red notification for your happiness might be a bit of a problem, I’m here to help. Here are some tips on how to get started, and try and brave a life with less digital distractions:

Set a specific time each day.

You may or may not be surprised by how much time you spend on social media in a day. Start off slow by setting specific time throughout your day to check up on your accounts - like during your lunch break, for an hour after work, or whenever is convenient for you - but other than that, stay away. You’ll find yourself wanting to check up on them less and less as the days go on.

Out of sight, out of mind.

When you’re not supposed to be on your phone, put it on vibrate and put it away. Put it in your desk at work, leave it in your car, put it in your purse - whatever you have to do. If your phone Isn’t glued to your hip all day, you won’t feel the urge to check it as much.

Give your phone a bedtime.

I’m sure you’ve heard before, looking at a screen all day is bad for you. Looking at a screen for two hours right before you go to sleep is even worse. Try and stay off of your phone for at least an hour before bedtime and your eyes will adjust, your mind will calm, and you’ll sleep that much better.

Give yourself a timeline.

If you’re serious about your little internet hiatus, give yourself a start and an end time and dedicate yourself to it. Three days, a week, a month, however long - but make sure you don’t cave in.

Deactivate and delete.

It’s really hard to stay committed to anything when temptation is looming over your head. Start off slow by deactivating all of your accounts except your favorite two. Ween yourself off of everything else, and then deactivate those too. Believe me, you’ll get to a point where you’ll enjoy the freedom from technology.


It doesn't have to be forever, but even a few days off of social media may be beneficial and cure you of your overstimulation. Sometimes all we need is a little step back to appreciate everything else that is right in front of our faces.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2077
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

448627
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21147
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44239
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments