Digital Detox – Take a Break from Mentally “Shiny Things”

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re constantly bombarded with new information, ideas, and opportunities. While some people are drawn to material possessions like gold or silver, others find themselves attracted to mental and emotional “shiny things” – the allure of new information, novel experiences, and intriguing courses of study. For many individuals, this intellectual curiosity provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Yet, for others, the seemingly never-ending pursuit of “shiny things” can have a downside: stress and overwhelm. In this blog post, we’ll explore digital detox, discuss the reasons behind our attraction to mentally shiny things, and look at strategies for reducing the stress that results.

Our fascination with intellectually stimulating experiences may be partly explained by the way our brains are wired. Scientists believe that curiosity is an evolutionary advantage that helps humans adapt to new environments and learn essential survival skills (source). As a result, we’re naturally drawn to novel stimuli – such as new information or unexplored subjects – which activate our brain’s reward system (source).

However, in the age of information overload, when we have access to vast amounts of knowledge at our fingertips, this proclivity can become overwhelming. Many people feel constant pressure to keep up with the latest trends or immerse themselves in the next exciting topic. This can lead to stress and burnout as we struggle to absorb everything that catches our interest.

To reduce the stress associated with craving mentally shiny things, it’s crucial to develop healthy coping strategies:

1. Set boundaries: Rather than trying to learn everything about a subject or stay current on all trends within your field, establish clear limits for yourself. For example, allocate specific time blocks each day or week dedicated solely to exploring new areas of interest.

2. Prioritize your passions: Instead of spreading yourself too thin by dabbling in countless topics or courses simultaneously, focus on one or two areas that truly captivate you. By directing your energy towards a small number of passions, you’ll feel more fulfilled and less overwhelmed.

3. Practice mindfulness: It’s essential to recognize when your desire for mental stimulation becomes excessive. Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, can help you identify and acknowledge your feelings of stress and facilitate more balanced decision-making.

4. Implement digital detox periods: Regularly unplugging from the constant influx of information can do wonders for your mental health. Designate “offline” hours throughout the day or week to give your mind time to process and recharge.

Our attraction to intellectually shiny things is both natural and beneficial. However, managing this curiosity effectively is crucial to reducing stress and maintaining a healthy sense of well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritizing your passions, practicing mindfulness, and implementing digital detox periods, you can enjoy the excitement of learning new things without feeling overwhelmed.

Benefits of Digital Detox
Stress: It’s Killing Us

Sources:

– Gruber, M., Gelman B., & Ranganath C. (2014). States of curiosity modulate hippocampus-dependent learning via the dopaminergic circuit. Neuron 84(2), 486-496.

– Kang M. J., Hsu M., Krajbich I., Loewenstein G., McClure S., Wang J., & Camerer C. F. (2009). The wick in the candle of learning: epistemic curiosity activates reward circuitry and enhances memory. Psychological Science 20(8), 963-973.