Important Reasons to Unplug from Technology

Technology was created to make lives simpler but has it?

Technology has grown quickly. In fact, it has grown to the point that it often causes problems, especially in those who are still in the process of developing their minds and interpersonal skills. Today, the average citizen is so dependent upon some form of technology that they feel lost and unable to perform even simpler tasks when something occurs to disconnect them from that technology. In small doses, we can benefit from many of today's technological advances but let's explore some very real reasons unplugging from technology can help you and your family.

Brain Growth

Our brains are constantly growing. The majority of this growth occurs in the first 25 years of life, but connections are being made and undone throughout our lives. Technology gives us most of the answers we seek, making it unnecessary to use certain neural pathways. When left unused, or underused, these pathways weaken, making it difficult to do things like making decisions, discerning proper and improper choices and managing emotions. With teens and young adults, in particular, this can create a situation where impulse control and the ability to make positive choices can be hindered.

Communication

You've seen it. Everyone sitting at a bus stop, around the dinner table, or even at a party has their eyes focused on their phone or a tablet. Those who aren't may be playing a video game or be distracted, wondering what they are missing by not checking their social media accounts or email. Very few people actually start a conversation and the majority of people you talk with are only paying partial attention. By unplugging from technology, families can relearn the art of communicating with each other. Children will learn that speaking up will elicit the attention of someone who cares about what is going on and adults will learn what is going through the minds of their kids. When families are able to communicate more, many problems can be solved while they are in the early stages. Relationships become stronger.

Coping Skills

With constant bombardment, our minds become overloaded. This leads to mental stress and can adversely affect our physical health. Studies have shown that this overload reduces both the quantity and quality of sleep. Sleep is needed in order for the mind and body to heal and be at optimal performance. Lack of sleep reduces attention span, reduces the ability to deal with negative emotions and lowers our ability to react in dangerous situations.

Wingate can help your child reduce their dependency on technology and start to strengthen the pathways in their brains that will eventually allow them to feel focused and in control of their actions. Once a young person goes through our program, they have learned to make better choices, communicate better, and control impulses to a greater degree. They are on their way to having the strong skills that will allow them to bloom into adults who know how to make decisions and contribute to the world with their talents and skills.

Call (800) 560-1599 today to discuss the issues you are having with your child and you can speak with an admissions counselor directly to learn how Wingate Wilderness Therapy can help your family. Wingate Wilderness Therapy is a program designed to help teens and young adults get back in touch with themselves and the natural world around them.