Idle Sitting Contest in a Punjab Village Highlights Digital Detox Benefits and Screen Addiction Risks

In today’s times, when you cannot sit without checking your phone all the time, a village in Punjab has a powerful message for all age groups through an unusual challenge. Gholia Khurd village in Moga

district recently held a unique, unheard-of competition where the contestants had to sit absolutely still — no scrolling, no calling, no sleeping, and no standing up. This Idle Sitting Contest was conducted to raise awareness of phone addiction and the importance of digital detox. Also known as the Great Sitting Challenge, the competition had simple rules - participants were to remain seated in one spot without using any mobile phone, without sleeping, and without even taking a washroom break. While they could eat and drink, any movement was not allowed. According to news reports, there were more than 55 participants from across Punjab, which included children, youngsters, women, and even elderly people.

Who won the contest?

Two young men emerged victorious after 31 hours of achieving the “doing nothing” feat, which, according to mental health experts, is a feat everyone should aspire to.

What is a digital detox?

A digital detox is a voluntary period of abstaining from or significantly reducing the use of digital devices like smartphones, computers, social media, and television that helps you disconnect from constant connectivity, reduce digital overload, and reconnect with the offline world. According to experts, digital detox is best for enhancing mental well-being, focus, and real-life interactions. While digital addiction is not yet an officially recognised mental health disorder, the World Health Organization, or WHO, formally accepted addiction to digital technology as a problem in 2020.

How can you do a digital detox?

There is no one way to do a digital detox, but experts believe that a few ways to make it easier for you include:

Setting goals

You need to figure out why a detox is important and what you can achieve with it. To try to limit your time on social media, you must check your phone less frequently and spend more time on a particular hobby.

Choose a timeframe

Decide your own timeframe for the detox. According to experts, starting with a shorter duration is a manageable way to complete your detox.

Choose what to avoid

You can avoid electronic devices completely or only focus on reducing time on social media.

Set boundaries

There are many tools that are available to help you monitor or reduce your device phone or social media usage. Download useful apps that can help set up usage notifications or use screen time to monitor tools.

Plan alternative activities

If you check your phone frequently, it can be helpful to fill your time with another activity or a new hobby.

What should you expect after a digital detox?

Experts believe you may be able to focus better after your detox and can experience increased mental clarity, along with less of a need to check your devices or social media on autopilot. You may also find it helpful to limit your social media usage after your detox. Many new-age apps and devices also have built-in settings that allow you to limit certain activities.