Analog Recharge in the Digital World

Analog Recharge in the Digital World

After a busy workday, you want to relax at home. You decide to continue the TV series you're following, and while watching, you casually scroll through social media. However, the next morning you find it difficult to get up, because you haven't fully recovered from yesterday. A tired start often turns into a somewhat difficult workday, which you then have to recover from all over again.

Living in this constant state of fatigue is not sustainable and will eventually take its toll. But what does true relaxation look like in the 21st century?

Behind the screens

In daily life, we are surrounded by screens. Between smartphones, computer screens, and televisions, there are very few moments when we are completely offline. The effects of this are now clear:

• Constant availability keeps us from ever being “off” enough to fully relax, which in turn raises stress levels.
• Being able to see everything that others are doing and achieving can lower self-esteem and trigger anxiety—specifically the fear of missing out (FOMO) and performance anxiety.
• And of course, the negative consequences of excessive screen use in the evening; having trouble falling asleep, poorer sleep quality, and a disturbed day-night rhythm.

Add it all up and you have a cocktail of energy-draining activities. It is therefore important to replenish this energy.

But what does that mean, in this century full of technology?

Examples of activities that restore your energy level are:

Writing things down: Try to write down your thoughts, feelings, and activities of the day to clear your mind. Where and how you write doesn't matter—a diary, laptop, letter, poem, or story—they all help to relieve your state of mind.

Exercise: Especially if you work in an office, it is important to move every now and then, as lightly or heavily as you like. Good options to start with are walking, stretching, yoga, and cycling. Afterwards, you will likely notice that you are more relaxed, sleep more deeply, have more energy, and feel happier.

Meeting with friends or family: In addition to having a good laugh, meeting with loved ones also strengthens one’s sense of belonging. This refers to the psychological need to belong somewhere, which is essential for mental health.

Listening to music: Listening to music promotes the production of our most important happiness chemicals: endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine. Specific types of music also have their own benefits. For example, soothing music helps reduce stress, and upbeat music gives an energy boost. Listening to the music you love most is good for improving your mood.

Meditating: During meditation, your focus is shifted from thoughts to breathing. This allows your mind to rest, so you reach a deeper level of relaxation. Starting with meditation can be difficult or confusing for many people. Try to begin with a short, guided meditation session in a quiet space and from there, find which techniques you enjoy.

It’s important to create your ‘off moments’ here and there. You can’t demand your brains to deliver high quality output 24/7 without integrating moments of rest throughout your busy schedules.

It's a cliché for a reason: leave your screens alone once in a while. Proper recovery and recharging are done analog.