Podcasts > On Purpose with Jay Shetty > 6 Steps to Detox from Your Phone & Reduce Your Anxiety Levels

6 Steps to Detox from Your Phone & Reduce Your Anxiety Levels

By iHeartPodcasts

In this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Jay explores the psychology and neuroscience behind smartphone and internet addiction. He explains how dopamine drives our online behaviors and how the absence of these digital stimuli can lead to feelings of emptiness or boredom.

Jay also highlights the detrimental effects of excessive smartphone and internet use, including negative impacts on mental health, physical health, and real human connections. To combat these issues, he provides practical strategies for reducing usage, such as increasing awareness, setting intentional boundaries, limiting low-quality content, and implementing "digital fasts."

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6 Steps to Detox from Your Phone & Reduce Your Anxiety Levels

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6 Steps to Detox from Your Phone & Reduce Your Anxiety Levels

1-Page Summary

The psychology and neuroscience behind smartphone and internet addiction

[restricted term] drives addictive online behaviors

Jay Shetty explains that every interaction online triggers [restricted term] release in the brain - a "reward chemical" that motivates us to continue using our phones and the internet. Americans check their phones 144 times a day on average, reinforcing this habit cycle.

The "flattening effect" when offline

Without regular [restricted term] hits from phone use, we can experience feelings of boredom or emptiness - a "flattening effect" signaling reduced stimulation, according to Shetty. This highlights how our happiness is tied to constant connectivity.

Declining human happiness linked to increased tech use

The World Happiness Report suggests that as smartphone and internet use has risen, overall human happiness has decreased, especially in wealthy countries. The interplay between [restricted term]-seeking behavior and cortisol production from digital stress contributes to this trend.

The detrimental effects of excessive smartphone and internet use

Negative mental health impacts

Constant online engagement can increase anxiety, stress, and disconnect from reality. Our focus, concentration, and presence also diminish, leading to impatience and lack of meaningful engagement, says Shetty.

Physical health consequences

Excessive screen time disrupts sleep, causes eye strain, and contributes to a sedentary lifestyle - effects not explicitly mentioned but widely recognized.

Erosion of real human connections

Despite enabling global communication, overreliance on online interactions comes at the cost of nurturing real-life relationships, which Shetty suggests can leave people feeling isolated.

Practical steps and strategies for reducing use

Increasing awareness and mindfulness

Shetty advises observing impulses to use the phone without judgment, noting emotional factors driving the habit.

Creating intentional boundaries

He recommends waiting an hour before using the phone after waking up, replacing it with healthier habits. "Wi-Fi free" mealtimes can also help cultivate presence.

Limiting "junk content"

Like avoiding junk food, Shetty suggests reducing exposure to low-quality digital content that can harm productivity and mental health.

Implementing "digital fasts"

Taking cues from intermittent fasting, Shetty proposes scheduled phone-free periods, like weekends or designated days, to temporarily break the constant connectivity cycle.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • [restricted term] is a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation. It plays a crucial role in reinforcing behaviors that are essential for survival, such as eating and socializing. When activities like using smartphones trigger [restricted term] release, it creates a sense of pleasure and reinforces the behavior, leading to potential addictive patterns. [restricted term] is often referred to as a "reward chemical" because of its involvement in the brain's reward system, influencing our motivation and desire to engage in certain activities.
  • [restricted term] release in the brain is associated with pleasure and reward. When we engage with smartphones and the internet, activities that trigger [restricted term] release can create a cycle of seeking more of these rewarding experiences, potentially leading to addictive behaviors. This reinforcement loop can contribute to the compulsive use of technology as individuals seek the pleasurable effects associated with [restricted term] release.
  • The "flattening effect" describes a decrease in stimulation and emotional response when individuals are not engaging with their smartphones or the internet, leading to feelings of boredom or emptiness. This phenomenon suggests that constant connectivity to technology has become intertwined with our sense of happiness and fulfillment. The reliance on digital stimuli for [restricted term] release can diminish our ability to find satisfaction in offline activities, potentially impacting overall well-being. This concept underscores the psychological impact of excessive smartphone and internet use on our emotional experiences and perceptions of stimulation and contentment.
  • The interplay between [restricted term]-seeking behavior and cortisol production involves a complex relationship between the brain's reward system ([restricted term]) and stress response (cortisol). [restricted term] drives us to seek out pleasurable experiences, like using smartphones, while excessive digital engagement can lead to stress and cortisol release. This cycle of seeking rewards through technology can inadvertently trigger stress responses, impacting our overall well-being.
  • Constant online engagement can lead to increased anxiety and stress due to the constant influx of information and social comparisons. It can also contribute to a sense of disconnect from reality, as individuals may prioritize their online interactions over real-life experiences. This continuous digital exposure can diminish focus, concentration, and presence, leading to feelings of impatience and a lack of meaningful engagement with the world around them.
  • "Digital fasts" involve scheduled periods of time where individuals intentionally disconnect from their devices to break the cycle of constant connectivity. This strategy is akin to intermittent fasting in the realm of dieting, where individuals cycle between periods of eating and fasting for various health benefits. Just as intermittent fasting allows the body to reset and regulate eating habits, digital fasts aim to reset one's relationship with technology and promote mindful usage. By taking breaks from constant digital stimulation, individuals can reduce dependency on technology and cultivate a healthier balance in their lives.

Counterarguments

  • While [restricted term] release is associated with rewarding experiences, not all online interactions may lead to addictive behaviors, and individual differences in susceptibility to addiction are significant.
  • Checking phones frequently does not necessarily indicate addiction; it could also reflect the necessity of staying connected for work or personal reasons in a digital age.
  • The "flattening effect" may not solely be due to the absence of technology; it could also be influenced by other factors such as lifestyle, mental health, and individual differences in how people experience boredom.
  • The link between smartphone use and declining happiness is correlational, and it is difficult to establish causation. Other social, economic, or personal factors could also contribute to changes in happiness levels.
  • The production of cortisol, a stress hormone, is not exclusively triggered by digital stress but by a variety of stressors in one's environment.
  • The negative mental health impacts of smartphone and internet use can vary widely among individuals, and for some, these tools can provide valuable support and resources for mental health.
  • The erosion of real human connections due to online interactions is not universal; many people find that technology enhances their relationships and enables connections that would otherwise not be possible.
  • The recommendation to wait an hour before using the phone after waking up may not be practical or beneficial for everyone, depending on their personal and professional obligations.
  • "Wi-Fi free" mealtimes may not be feasible or desirable for all individuals or families, especially those who may live apart and rely on digital communication to connect during meals.
  • Limiting "junk content" is subjective, as what is considered low-quality or unproductive content can vary greatly from person to person.
  • Digital fasts may not be practical for everyone, particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on constant connectivity, and may not address the underlying issues of dependency.
  • The strategies for reducing use may not take into account the positive aspects of technology and how it can be used responsibly to enhance well-being and productivity.

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6 Steps to Detox from Your Phone & Reduce Your Anxiety Levels

The psychology and neuroscience behind smartphone and internet addiction

The increasing pull of our smartphones and the internet taps into the brain’s reward system, a phenomenon that experts, including Jay Shetty, are examining to understand the impacts on happiness and mental health.

The role of [restricted term] in driving addictive online behaviors

[restricted term] is the brain's "reward chemical" that motivates us to seek out pleasurable activities, including using our phones and going online

Every interaction online, from swiping and liking to commenting and emoji-sending, triggers a [restricted term] release in the brain, signifying a reward. This chemical is what motivates us to continue seeking pleasurable activities, including the seemingly innocuous act of phone and internet usage.

Jay Shetty elaborates on [restricted term]’s function by describing how it moves us toward pleasure-seeking behaviors, much like going out for dinner or drinks, and, in this technological age, engaging with our smartphones and online activities. He notes that Americans check their phones approximately 144 times a day and bridge physical contact with their phones around 2,600 times a day, reflecting a deep entanglement with our devices. These habits discharge [restricted term] every time we unlock our phones or hear notification sounds, reinforcing the habit cycle.

The "flattening effect" of [restricted term] depletion when we're not online

When we're not using our phones or the internet, we can experience feelings of boredom, emptiness, or lack of stimulation due to the brain's reduced [restricted term] levels

The constant flux of [restricted term] from phone use conditions us to associate happiness with phone engagement. When we are not online, we can experience a “flattening effect,” a state where the absence of regular [restricted term] hits leaves us feeling empty or understimulated. Shetty talks about this lack of stimulation as a compensation from our brain for high levels of [restricted term], leading to flatness or even a touch of depression when we are not indulging in pleasurable activities, including digital ones.

This flattening effect highlights a concerning trend of our happiness being tied to constant connectivity and the resultant feelings when that connection is severed.

The connection bet ...

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The psychology and neuroscience behind smartphone and internet addiction

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • [restricted term] is a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. When we engage in activities like using smartphones or going online, [restricted term] is released, reinforcing the behavior. This [restricted term] release motivates us to seek out pleasurable experiences, creating a cycle of reward-seeking behavior. Over time, this can lead to addictive tendencies towards smartphone and internet use.
  • The "flattening effect" of [restricted term] depletion when we're not online refers to the decrease in [restricted term] levels in the brain when we are not engaging with our smartphones or the internet. This can lead to feelings of boredom, emptiness, or lack of stimulation as our brain has become accustomed to regular [restricted term] hits from online activities. The absence of these [restricted term] boosts can result in a sense of flatness or even mild depression when we are not using our devices. This phenomenon underscores how our brains can become reliant on digital stimuli for pleasure and how the lack of such stimuli can impact our mood and sense of fulfillment.
  • The connection between smartphone/internet use and declining human happiness suggests that as people use smartphones and the internet more, overall happiness levels have decreased, especially in wealthier countries. This decline in happiness is linked to factors like increased stress from digital interactions triggering cortisol production and the brain seeking [restricted term] as a counterbalance, leading to a cycle of seeking online engagement for positive reinforcement despite potential negative impacts on health. This dynamic highlights the complex interplay between technology use, brain chemistry, and emotional well-being, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing our relationship with digital devices for overall happiness and mental health.
  • The World Happiness Report is a publication that ranks countries based on factors like respondent happiness and quality of lif ...

Counterarguments

  • The brain's reward system is complex, and [restricted term] is not the only neurotransmitter involved in addiction or pleasure-seeking behaviors.
  • Not all online interactions may lead to a significant [restricted term] release; some may be neutral or even stressful.
  • The frequency of phone checks may vary widely among individuals, and not all checks are due to addiction or seeking a [restricted term] hit.
  • The habit cycle of phone usage can also be influenced by external factors such as work requirements, social expectations, or the need for information, not just [restricted term] reinforcement.
  • Feelings of boredom and emptiness can have multiple causes beyond reduced [restricted term] levels, including psychological, social, and environmental factors.
  • The "flattening effect" may not be a universal experience, and some individuals may find offline activities equally or more rewarding.
  • The link between constant connectivity and happiness is not necessarily causal; other factors may contribute to changes in happiness levels.
  • The relationship between smartphone and internet use and declining happiness in wealthy countries may be correlational rather than causal, and other variables could be at play.
  • C ...

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6 Steps to Detox from Your Phone & Reduce Your Anxiety Levels

The detrimental effects of excessive smartphone and internet use

Jay Shetty highlights the various consequences, both mental and physical, that can arise from excessive internet and smartphone usage, encouraging an "internet diet" to mitigate these effects.

Negative impacts on mental health and well-being

Excessive engagement with digital devices and online platforms can lead to a detrimental impact on our mental health.

Increased anxiety, stress, and feelings of disconnection from the real world

Jay Shetty suggests that constantly being online—especially following harmful patterns such as "doom scrolling"—can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress. This behavior is often accompanied by a release of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress response. As a result, individuals may feel disconnected from the real world and experience a decline in mental well-being.

Reduction in focus, concentration, and ability to be present

The continuous distractions from smartphones can erode our ability to focus and concentrate. Shetty specifically discusses how the impulsive nature of activities like "add to cart" can make us more impatient and impulsively reactive. This not only affects our productivity but also impairs our ability to stay present in the moment with friends and family, leading to feelings of anger or disgust stemming from a lack of meaningful engagement.

Physical health consequences

Disrupted sleep patterns, eye strain, and physical inactivity

Though not explicitly mentioned in the input, it’s widely recognized that extensive screen time from smartphone and internet use can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, eye strain from prolonged exposure ...

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The detrimental effects of excessive smartphone and internet use

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Doomscrolling is the act of continuously scrolling through negative news or social media content, often leading to increased anxiety and stress. It involves compulsively seeking out more distressing information, creating a cycle of negative emotions. This behavior can have detrimental effects on mental well-being and is associated with excessive internet use.
  • Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response, helping regulate various functions like metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure. Elevated cortisol levels over prolonged periods can have negative effects on health, including contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, and impaired cognitive function.
  • Blue light is a type of high-energy visible light with a short wavelength that ...

Counterarguments

  • While excessive use can lead to negative mental health outcomes, moderate and mindful use of the internet and smartphones can provide educational resources, mental health support, and positive social connections.
  • Some individuals may find online communities and interactions to be a lifeline, especially those with social anxiety or disabilities that make in-person interaction challenging.
  • Digital tools and apps can enhance focus and productivity if used intentionally, such as time management software, meditation apps, and educational platforms.
  • Not all screen time is equal; passive consumption may have different effects compared to actively engaging in creative or learning activities online.
  • Technology can facilitate meaningful human connections when physical presence is not possible, such as for long-distance relationships or during times when in-person contact is limited, like during a pandemic.
  • Online interactions can complement in-person relationships, offering a ...

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6 Steps to Detox from Your Phone & Reduce Your Anxiety Levels

Practical steps and strategies for reducing smartphone and internet use

In a digitally saturated world, Shetty emphasizes the importance of conscious and mindful use of smartphones and internet, offering practical steps to manage our digital habits and dependencies.

Increasing awareness and mindfulness around phone/internet use

Observing your own behavior and impulses to use your phone without judgment

Shetty suggests a mindful approach by observing impulses to use the phone without judgment as a first step in managing automatic phone usage. He recommends becoming more aware of the reach for the phone within the first 10 minutes of waking up—an action 89% of Americans are guilty of—by asking what feelings prompt this reach, what is being sought, and why. This awareness can highlight underlying feelings of boredom, sadness, or fear of missing out, providing valuable information about oneself.

Creating intentional boundaries and habits

Waiting an hour before checking your phone in the morning

Increasing consciousness around phone use can lead to intentional boundaries, such as waiting an hour before going online in the morning. Shetty advises replacing the early morning online impulse with healthier habits such as meditating, making a gratitude list, reading, or listening to music. This practice of starting the day with immersive, offline activities can greatly shift daily routines and attitudes.

Designating "Wi-Fi free" mealtimes to be fully present

Shetty also proposes "Wi-Fi free" mealtimes, urging individuals to enjoy meals without distraction from their devices. By keeping the phone in another room, one can focus on the food, chew more mindfully, and engage in a practice of hyper mindfulness. Setting a 15-minute limit during meals where the phone is inaccessible can lead to more conscious eating and increased appreciation of food textures and flavors.

Limiting exposure to "junk content" online

Identifying and reducing consumption of low-quality or unhealthy digital content

Similar to being selective with nutrition, Shetty suggests ap ...

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Practical steps and strategies for reducing smartphone and internet use

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While observing impulses without judgment is beneficial, it may not be sufficient for individuals with strong addictive behaviors who might need more structured interventions.
  • Waiting an hour before checking the phone might not be practical for everyone, especially those whose jobs require immediate connectivity.
  • Replacing morning online activities with other habits assumes that all online activities are less valuable or healthy, which may not be the case for everyone.
  • "Wi-Fi free" mealtimes may not consider the positive aspects of sharing digital experiences or the need to stay connected for certain individuals.
  • The assumption that keeping the phone away leads to more conscious eating may not hold true for everyone, as some may find that listening to music or podcasts enhances their dining experience.
  • The concept of "junk content" is subjective, and what is considered low-quality for one person might be informative or entertaining for another.
  • Digital fasts can be beneficial, but they may also create stre ...

Actionables

  • You can create a morning ritual box containing items like a journal, a book, and a yoga mat to encourage non-digital activities when you wake up. By placing your phone in a separate room and using the contents of your ritual box first thing in the morning, you establish a physical and mental space for mindfulness and set a positive tone for the day.
  • Develop a habit tracker app that rewards you with virtual badges for successful non-digital periods, similar to a fitness tracker that rewards steps taken. By tracking your phone-free time and receiving rewards, you create a gamified experience that motivates you to disconnect more often and makes the process enjoyable.
  • Organ ...

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