Unplug to Recharge: Can a Digital Detox Make You Happier? Try It and See

Cell phones and computers are an integral part of society nowadays. People use them as tools to work and earn money, while others utilize them to seek entertainment or engage with others online. While there are perks to these forms of technology, it may be high time to take a step away from a digital detox. Digital Detox Meaning A digital detox is a voluntary break from the online world and all the devices that come with it. By tuning out anything digital, individuals can reevaluate how they spend their time and experience life without distractions.  Some people who try out a digital detox may only remove themselves from social media or the world wide web. However, others try to completely cut off screen time, which includes televisions, video game consoles and other forms of technology.  Digital Detox Benefits Deliberately taking time away from social media seems challenging at first, as most may spend more waking hours online rather than offline. However, it can make you happier through a variety of ways. Here are the benefits of a digital detox: 1. Increased Physical Activity While portable digital devices exist, most keep users glued to a chair or a sofa. A two-week social media detox study had participants relay how they had more physical activity, like walking their pets or doing chores. Boosting your exercise by regulating your time online also helps you stretch your muscles and get your bones moving. Productivity brings a sense of personal gratification, and so does prioritizing your physical health. 2. Less Stress Social media is pretty stressful at times, depending on the content you’re exposed to. There’s a constant influx of news and communities fighting with one another. Being the target of online scrutiny and hate comments is also troubling.  Another study finds people who abstained from social media completely were more successful in lowering depression and anxiety symptoms. While there is little to no effect on loneliness levels, mental health and stress levels have stabilized more. 3. More Time for Real-Life Interactions Have you ever wished you had more time during the day? The truth is Americans are spending about seven hours and three minutes online daily. You can check your own personal device to gauge the exact number of hours. A digital detox would help you reclaim that time and use it on more offline activities. You can have fulfilling real-life interactions with your friends and family more frequently. Having the awareness to enjoy your own company also brings joy. 4. Better Sleep Another way digital detox makes you happier is by improving your sleep. While some may not like to admit it, having a device to entertain you late into the night can distract you from slumber. It’s part of why many advise putting the device away when heading to bed. Nevertheless, you also need to regulate your online presence during the day. Too much social media use lessens your overall sleep quality while increasing the risk of sleep issues. Take a step back and have your circadian rhythm back to normal. How to Successfully Achieve a Digital Detox  A digital detox poses many advantages to your physical and mental well-being. However, it’s important to have the right execution, as too much restriction off the bat can make you relapse back to your digital dependency. Here are tips for forgoing your gadgets. 1. Narrow Down Your “Why” Having a specific reason to go to the digital detox help you stick with the task. Are you aiming to focus on something outside of your social media use? Do you simply want to purposefully cut back on the hours to change your habits? Narrow down the core goal and write it on a note to remember afterward.  2. Lessen Social Media Time If this is your first time running a digital detox, focus on reducing your online time rather than completely omitting it. You should use social media for about 30 minutes a day or less. However, you can extend this to an hour or so depending on your feelings. Scale it back once you get used to letting go of your phone.  3. Turn Off the Notifications One of the reasons why people gravitate toward their cell phones is because of the notifications ring. Try to make a point to turn off the unnecessary ones or turning the settings to vibrate mode instead. You can also build up a habit of checking on your phone later in the afternoon— condition yourself that the mornings are for offline activities. 4. Control What Goes on Your Screen List words or content that may trigger your stress levels and prevent them from showing up to make your device use a more positive experience. For instance, regular exposure to digitally altered images sets unreachable beauty standards and creates feelings of inadequacy. Alter your settings to keep AI-generated content out. 5. Pick Up a New Hobby As a digital detox will free up so much of your time, you’re bound to feel a little bored. Look for a fulfilling hobby to take up the space. You can get back into reading or turn to crocheting. Consider venturing into physical classes to learn how to cook, do pottery or speak a whole new language. 6. Head Outside Alone Learn to leave the house without your phone during a digital detox. To really get a break from the digital world, you can go on new adventures and immerse yourself in nature. Mountaineering helps with emotional regulation and thrill-seeking. Running the trails and scaling new heights also give you many beautiful sights to appreciate. 7. Journal Your Experience Keeping a journal about your digital detox can help you track your progress. Note down the number of times you went online and how you felt about it. You could also jot down what offline activities you engaged in. Look back to the pages when you feel a little doubtful of your tech usage. 8. Be Kind to Yourself Consistency is what makes digital detox successful. However, it’s natural to deviate from your plan 100% of the time. Be forgiving of yourself and take a deep breath. You can adopt other solutions, like physically unplugging the router or finding an accountability partner. Recall your goal and keep moving forward. Try Out a Digital Detox A digital detox reveals how often you utilize technology and its general impact on you. Don’t be afraid to shake your current routines when they feel stagnant. Step away from screens for a change to discover a new you.

Imagine yourself stuck at your relative's house with your dysfunctional family or rushing to meet a deadline at work. Who wouldn't feel overwhelmed under those circumstances? A five-minute meditation for beginners is what you need to learn to nurture your mind, body and spirit instantly.  Of course, meditation can be daunting if you have little practice. Those with endless thoughts popping into their heads may struggle to focus. This guide will help you understand the importance of brief meditations throughout your day and how to quickly and effectively dive into one when needed. Short and Sweet: What Is a Five-Minute Meditation? A five-minute meditation is just what it sounds like — a relaxation technique to feel less stressed in five minutes. It's also an excellent way for beginners to build up to a more extended meditation practice.  According to a 2022 study, 10-minute meditations daily for 10 days were enough to reduce depression and anxiety during the height of COVID-19. A five-minute meditation is halfway there, or you can meditate for five minutes twice daily for effective results.  Like longer meditations, there are several approaches to rapid relaxation, including the following: Guided meditation: Structured five-minute meditations for beginners through classes, online resources and mobile apps Mantra meditation: Repetition of a word or phrase to help you focus during meditation Body scan: Awareness of different parts of your body and recognition of tension and tightness Visualization: Imagining yourself somewhere relaxing, such as a beach or lush forest  You can feel refreshed and renewed in just five minutes, regardless of the type of meditation you enjoy doing.  The Benefits of a Five-Minute Meditation Decades-worth of research has shown the positive effects of meditation on your mind and body. Some of the benefits include things such as: Reduced feelings of depression and anxiety Better sleep Improved memory and cognitive function Promotes weight loss efforts and weight management Decreased blood pressure Greater concentration and attention span Enhanced creativity and imagination Stronger immunity — eight days of meditation activates the immune system Reduces emotional reactivity Decrease pain and discomfort Although you'll feel many positive effects after meditating, it could take time for meditation to produce other health outcomes. Meditation creates new neural pathways, similar to cutting branches away as you venture through a dense forest.  Putting it into Practice: A Simple Five-Minute Meditation for Beginners Don't fret if you're unsure how to begin a five-minute meditation — there's nothing to it. Here are a few straightforward pointers for putting it into practice.  Get Comfortable Sit comfortably on the floor or a chair — some prefer leaning against something for back support or using pillows to prop themselves up. You'll want to change your position anyway if you feel discomfort or a pinch in your body. Comfort is critical during a meditation session of any length. If you have pain anywhere, it could be a significant distraction from achieving relaxation. Count Your Breaths Imagine your mind as a ship on the high seas — then let your breath be your anchor. Breathing is essential to meditation, allowing you to calm yourself within those five minutes rapidly.  Inhale slowly and deeply, paying attention to the air filling your belly. Hold your breath for three or four seconds before slowly exhaling. Continue breathing exercises as your body releases tension, staying present by counting breaths.   Become Body Aware Close your eyes and draw your attention to your toes, mentally telling them to relax. Then, move up to your ankles, calves, thighs, pelvis and up to your head. As you do this, you'll notice and release areas of tension.  The brain has more control over your body than you realize. When you think of relaxation within a specific body part, you can create it. Often, you can best achieve body awareness through body scans.  Just avoid rushing through your five-minute meditation. If you feel tightness anywhere in your body, acknowledge it and continue to move up and down.  Visualize Calm Suppose your riding public transportation through a bustling city — a perfect time to close your eyes for five minutes and meditate. Rather than getting wrapped up in the chaos, visualize yourself on a remote beach or walking through lush woods. Perhaps you can taste the salty air or hear birds chirping in the canopies.  One of the more challenging aspects of a five-minute meditation for beginners is maintaining control of your thoughts. If you're new to meditation, quieting a busy mind can be difficult. Acknowledging your thoughts as they appear helps you build control and eliminate them, freeing up your mind space for greater concentration. Return to the Present Avoid pulling yourself out of a meditative state suddenly. Instead, let your eyes flicker open and remain seated and quiet for one or two minutes longer.  The end of your meditation session should be when you grow an awareness of your surroundings again. You'll want to continue to count your breaths — slow and long. When you feel ready, ease your way to a standing position and gently stretch your body. Beginners Tips for Effective Meditation A five-minute meditation is an easy way to achieve zen while on the move — a moment of calm and quiet to center and ground your mind and body. Although anyone can practice meditation wherever they are, beginners may have difficulty getting into a rhythm. The following tips will help you form a smooth practice: Set a timer: If five minutes is all you have to meditate — or you can bring yourself to do — setting a timer can eliminate the need to check the time. Find your best position: A seated position isn't the only way to meditate. Those with back problems or joint aches might prefer lying on their backs or standing up. Beat distractions: Put your devices away and make sure you do your five-minute meditation where it's quietest to avoid distractions. Utilize meditation resources: Download meditation apps and use guided meditations to shape your practice for structure as you begin. A meditation class is an excellent way to get community support, too.  Consistency is key: Try to take five minutes out of each day to meditate — then increase to five minutes twice daily or extend your usual practice. Meditate in the morning: Studies show you have a greater chance of sticking with meditation when you practice in the morning. Add movement: Walking meditations and gentle swaying can enhance your practice and concentration. Begin Five-Minute Meditation for Moments of Calm Stress can occur at any time of day for various reasons. Learn to cope with everyday pressures and the unknown with five-minute meditations. It'll help you to relax and achieve better health and well-being.

Most people adopt a yoga practice to relieve stress and calm their thoughts — some may be more interested in learning the various poses and mantras for inner peace. However, when it comes to yoga, there is only one type with a fully holistic approach: Integral Yoga.  Integral Yoga is relatively young compared to classical forms, having only been introduced to the world within the last century. Yet, it pulls from the most ancient yogic practices and principles for a whole-body and soul transformation.  Most importantly, you’ll learn much about the power of interconnectedness, compassion and self-awareness beyond the mat. Here is a closer look at the definition and principles of Integral Yoga, the various yoga limbs it pulls from, its benefits and how to adopt a practice yourself. What Is Integral Yoga? Sri Swami Satchidananda founded Integral Yoga in 1996, derived from the six classical yoga branches and teaching from Sri Aurobindo. The practices concentrate on spiritual transformation and divinity within all.  Satchidananda became known as the “Woodstock Guru” because his teachings on peace, service and interconnectedness resonated with people during the 1960s. The primary principle of Integral Yoga promotes the triple transformation into the divine— achieving psychic, spiritual and supramental states of consciousness. Unlike other yoga paths — in which the sole goal is to reach nirvana or moksha — people who practice Integral Yoga also seek to recognize a divine power within the physical world. 6 Branches of Integral Yoga Universalism in Integral Yoga comprises the six limbs of classical yoga — each with its own fundamental truths and ideals. The following briefly describes the six branches of yoga found in Integral practices. Hatha Hatha Yoga is the physical branch, utilizing various asana postures, breathing techniques, hand positions, chakra stimulation and mantras to achieve greater flexibility, strength and relaxation. Ultimately, practitioners seek to achieve sublimity through samadhi — the highest concentration state you can reach. Raja Raja Yoga leans into one’s mentality — such as focus and meditation — to strengthen your clarity and help you achieve greater control over your thoughts. Because of its challenging nature, Raja Yoga is most suitable for those with ample yogic experience.  Bhakti Bhakti Yoga is a devotional practice cultivating love and devotion toward the Divine. People attain enlightenment through prayer, mantras, mudras — symbolic hand gestures — and providing service to others. Some practitioners also practice through kirtan, which is repeating a phrase, word or deity’s name against music. Karma  The Karma limb is selfless service toward others. Those who practice Karma Yoga foster compassion and gratitude while connecting more deeply with the world around them. There are two facets of Karma Yoga: The Action and the result itself. A good deed results in positive outcomes, while a poor action may result in something negative.  Jnana Practitioners of Jnana Yoga attain wisdom and understanding through self-reflection and study. They seek to gain knowledge and liberate themselves from unawareness and suffering. Like Raja Yoga, many consider Jnana among the most challenging yoga types you can adopt. Japa Japa Yoga practitioners repeat mantras, chants and other sounds to connect with the Divine. This branch mainly focuses on becoming more present and building a deep connection with something bigger than yourself.  Integral Yoga Beyond the Mat The six limbs within Integral Yoga offer physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth over time. As a whole, you receive guidance and tools to work toward sadhana — your awakening.  A regular Integral Yoga practice can benefit you in the following ways: Physical: Increases flexibility, strength and harmony while improving sleep quality, immunity, and pain or discomfort. Mental and emotional: Decreases anxiety and depression, increases concentration and clarity, boosts mood and generates greater self-awareness. Spiritual: Fosters a deep connection with something greater than yourself, leads to personal transformation, arouses your consciousness and potential, and creates inner joy. Integral Yoga is accessible to every age and experience level, taking the best parts of each limb and creating a holistic, feasible approach to enlightenment and well-being.  How to Start an Integral Yoga Practice Whether you’re a beginner or have explored other yoga limbs before, Integral Yoga may provide the enriching path to awakening you’re looking for. To start your practice, gain an understanding of the six branches of yoga as they work together integratively. It is also essential to understand its guiding principles, including the triple transformation, selfless service, spirituality and universalism. Beginners should enroll in a class to help build a foundation. Instructors will give you basic postures, sequences and meditation techniques for a gentle introduction. Remember to always listen to your body — you’ll want to take breaks and modify challenging poses as you build up stamina. Slowly begin incorporating other methods — like chanting, mantras, mudras and kirtan — as you become more comfortable. You may want to start with 15-20 minutes of practice several times a week and work up to longer durations. Other things you can do when creating an this holistic yoga practice include the following: Volunteer at local charities and organizations, or help someone in need within the community.  Start writing down self-reflections in a journal.  Jot down one to three things you’re grateful for daily.  Join an Integral Yoga community in person or online to learn more about the practice as you grow. Try different classes and teachers to determine what resonates with you best.  Utilize free guided meditations online.  Whichever way you decide to approach your Integral Yoga practice, remember to go at your own pace. Establishing the best practice for your life may require you to go through different teachers and styles to know what is best for you. Connecting with the Integral Yoga community — in-person or online — is another way to strengthen your practice. Integral Yoga for All Aspects of Living Because each limb of yoga touches on something different, you can improve every aspect of your existence by adopting an Integral Yoga practice. As you embark on your yogic journey, take your time to reap the benefits of awakening and self-discovery. 

There's a good reason why your doctor or therapist might recommend meditation — maybe you read about it somewhere or heard about it from a friend. Quieting an overactive mind could be the ticket to reduced anxiety and stress. To best achieve relaxation, you need a breakdown of transcendental meditation for beginners.  When was the last time you sat still and simply breathed? How difficult is it to focus in those moments? Transcendental meditation provides the tools to sit comfortably in silence without wandering thoughts and worry. However, unlike other forms of meditation, you need a teacher to assist you in adopting your technique. Transcendental meditation is straightforward, but it helps to know what you're getting into from the start. Here's a helpful guide to transcendental meditation for beginners to understand the ins and outs of this practice.  What Is Transcendental Meditation? Although the transcendental meditation technique gained popularity in the 1960s, it's been around for thousands of years under different names. This form of meditation isn't affiliated with any spiritual or religious beliefs despite deriving from Vedanta.  The practice comprises repeating a mantra to still the mind, eliminating thinking and developing a deeper state of consciousness and relaxation. As a result, practitioners experience greater joy, creativity and quality of life. Transcendental meditation programs have made the practice more accessible than ever. Celebrities and scientific researchers have also given the practice a boost with evidence of its benefits.  How Does Transcendental Meditation Differ From Mindfulness? There is seemingly much overlap between meditation and mindfulness when adopting a spiritual practice. However, key differences set mindfulness and transcendental meditation apart.  For one thing, transcendental meditation utilizes a unique mantra, which practitioners repeat silently for a more uplifting and soothing session. Mantras help quiet the mind and remove negative thoughts. Yet, the goal isn't strictly training awareness but to attain optimal restfulness. Conversely, mindfulness emphasizes breath to draw one's focus inward and within one's surroundings. Others might focus on physical sensations, objects and emotions. Regardless of whatever anchors you, your mindfulness practice should aim to improve concentration and consciousness. Benefits of Transcendental Meditation  Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney and Russell Brand are but a few of the many celebrities who have openly discussed practicing transcendental meditation. In one interview, Brand underscored how this practice allowed him to become more present in the given moment instead of living in the past or projecting the future. Practitioners will notice several outcomes like this when they adopt transcendental meditation as part of their daily ritual. Some of the physical, mental and cognitive benefits include the following: More restful sleep Better pain management Reduced blood pressure Lower anxiety and depression Greater self-esteem Ability to cope with post-traumatic stress More energy, creativity and memory Clearer thinking Improved quality of life More gratitude and compassion According to one study, practicing transcendental meditation for 20 minutes daily for three months showed significant improvements in burnout, insomnia and chronic anxiety. A Beginner's Guide to Transcendental Meditation Like other forms of meditation, practitioners must sit comfortably with their eyes closed while practicing transcendental meditation. However, this type of meditative practice requires instruction from a certified teacher. The Maharishi Foundation USA provides all the information you need to prepare for one-on-one training with a transcendental meditation teacher. There are four sessions you must attend in person as follows: Session 1: A 60 to 90-minute introductory session where you receive a mantra Session 2–4: Three 1.5 to 2-hour sessions with your meditation instructor in person or virtually where you learn more about the practice, learn about the benefits and receive feedback on your technique Practitioners will come together for a follow-up session 10 days after completing the initial sessions — these meetings are usually with a small group of other beginners. Afterward, you can occasionally meet with an instructor for free anywhere in the United States to refine your technique. Transcendental meditation may seem difficult for beginners, but they often find it's much more straightforward than they previously thought. It requires little concentration or effort — just the ability to breathe and focus on one's mantra. Experts recommend practicing transcendental meditation twice daily — usually in the morning and the afternoon.  Challenges of Transcendental Meditation Those taking transcendental meditation courses will reap the rewards of their daily practice. However, it isn't without some challenges you should consider. The cost of transcendental meditation sessions may cause a financial burden for some. The Maharishi Foundation sets up payments based on income — for instance, you might pay between $540 and $980 depending on your salary bracket. Full-time students must pay $420, while the organization also offers a partial grant to those receiving federal assistance. Of course, there may also be fewer teachers available in certain areas. Prepare to have to travel to access in-person instruction. Like any meditation form, some beginners might struggle to adapt. Achieving the ultimate state of relaxation takes practice and won't happen overnight. However, it's important not to become discouraged. Likewise, adjusting to the different sensations overcoming you could also be uncomfortable. While these physical and emotional experiences aren't harmful per se, you may need to get used to them. There is also a learning curve when taking up transcendental meditation. While concentration isn't necessarily a cornerstone of this practice, you still need to learn how to focus on your mantra. This can be challenging for someone with a scattered mind. Committing to a daily practice is another challenge you must face. Yet, creating two windows of time for meditation is critical if transcendental meditation is to work for you. Transcendental Meditation Is the Key to Better Living Transcendental meditation may not fix all your problems, but it can relieve much mental congestion. Overall, a meditation practice is good for your physical, mental, cognitive and emotional well-being — meaning it can also be the key to improved quality of life.  Consider signing up for transcendental meditation sessions to learn more about it and adopt a daily practice. Your life could very well change for the better. 

Throughout history, humans have turned to crystals to help them reach their highest self and even find health benefits. Communities as far back as Ancient Egypt, Greece and Mesopotamia utilized them for their various positive qualities and properties. There are also plenty of uses for them in meditation. Learning crystal meditation for beginners is a beautiful process of discovering yourself and connecting with the many energies the stones possess. Choosing Your Crystals If you don’t have any crystals yet, the first step is to choose some you wish to work with. The ones you pick will help you access a better state with their various properties. Each stone has a different purpose, so it’s good to choose one in an area of your life you need assistance in. Some excellent crystals for meditation include: Black Tourmaline: These crystals are great for removing and protecting you from negative energy. It can also help ground you. Black Tourmaline might be great if you’re in a bad mental space and struggle to concentrate while meditating.Labradorite: An absolutely gorgeous stone, Labradorite is known for its characteristic flash. This part of its nature helps you resonate with your highest self and access darker parts of your mind. It could be beneficial if you need to discover new ways to deal with your problems.Carnelian: If you feel like you could use more power, this may be the crystal for you. Carnelian helps you feel more courage and creativity, giving you a well-needed boost. Some also say it can help pull you out of low points, so it could be perfect if you need a rousing pick-me-up. While there are plenty of stones people recommend for meditating, an essential tip for crystal meditation for beginners is you can use any you would like. Try going into a metaphysical shop and see which ones call to you. Some say doing so is how you can tell where you need assistance in life. Crystal Meditation for Beginners — The Process Meditation can have a host of advantages, from improving sleep to lowering stress and anxiety. Adding crystals to the mix not only enhances the benefits, but provides their own. To get started, you can take a few steps. Find Your Intention Why are you trying to use these crystals? What positive changes do you wish to see in your life? Setting your intentions before you meditate helps focus you on what you would like the stones to assist you with. If one seems to be calling to you, look up its meaning and see why it might be time to utilize it. Locate Your Chakras While you could simply hold your crystals to meditate with them, some find it better to place them on their chakras. There are seven main chakras — located from the lower back to the top of your head — you can set the stones on while you meditate. For example, putting Labradorite on your third-eye chakra might be helpful because this area rules intuition and insight. Start Meditating Now, you’re ready to begin your meditation journey. If you would like, you can find a guided meditation on video-streaming platforms like YouTube to give your session more structure. Doing so can be very helpful for crystal meditation for beginners. However, if you would prefer to take things into your own hands, try out these steps: Go to a quiet place and start by calming your breath.Once you’re relaxed, take the crystal in your hand.Imagine light and energy washing over your body from the stone.Focus on your intention and maintain your calming breaths.Stay here for as long as you need. When you feel like you’re done, take one final deep breath.Bring awareness back to your body gently by slowly opening your eyes and feeling where you’re resting.Consider writing down any revelations that came to you while meditating. The process itself isn’t very complicated, but it can be overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. Hopefully these quick little tips show you how to begin crystal meditation for beginners. Practicing Crystal Meditation for Beginners Meditating with crystals is a natural and beautiful way to help your spirit and mind. Luckily all it takes is a quiet space and the stones that can help you most. Remember — practice makes progress, not perfection, so there will always be work to do.