Your smartphone is making you unhappy

Do you know how your smartphone is making you unhappy? Our smartphone is a huge part of our lives, carrying these small digital devices in our pockets daily is as common as getting dressed. They’ve practically become a part of our outfit, a permanent accessory glued to our hand so that we do not miss a moment of what’s going on in the online world.

Checking these devices on average 150 times a day, spending 8 hours 41 minutes a day on screens, of which you spend 1.72 hours on social media alone, the facts make it clear that we’re a nation addicted to technology.

We skim over the fact that we’ve become addicted to our smartphones because it’s ‘normal’. Everyone does it. But, your smartphone is making you unhappy and you need to step back.

Your smartphone makes you tired

Do you take your phone to bed with you? More than 60% of 18 to 29-year-olds do, despite the fact that 25% of adults say they do not get enough sleep because of digital devices.

Looking at your phone before bed, whether it be catching up on social media or texting friends late at night, might seem harmless but it’s actually the reason why you can’t sleep.

Studies show that just two hours exposure to phone screens can suppress melatonin, making us alert just before bed. This makes us more tired and means your smartphone is making you unhappy the next day.

Your smartphone makes you anxious

We think our smartphones keep us connected, we’re always able to keep up with what all of our friends are doing with a few swipes. The overuse of smartphones can make young people feel more isolated and alone.

Studies show a strong correlation between social anxiety and addiction in those with frequent smartphone usage. The study also found that anxiety increased when people could see their phones but were not able to use them.

Your smartphone makes you stressed

Having handy access to your work emails on your phone doesn’t help – as checking work emails decrease your focus, as well as making you more stressed.

We’re not even escaping on vacation to de-stress. 60% of people say taking a traditional vacation does not relieve their stress – with many admitting to checking emails and taking phone calls while away, sometimes multiple times a day!

Your smartphone makes you depressed

Our phones can cause depression in a myriad of different ways. Because most phones are connected to the internet and come with social media apps, we spend a lot of time on social media – even though there is study after study that proves there is a tangible link between heavy social media use and depression.

So, after all the evidence, don’t you think it’s time that you and your phone took a break? Our digital detox retreats give you a blissful week of complete disconnectedness, so you can come back feeling refreshed, energised and – most importantly – happy!