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Trends & research

When less is more

Being reachable anytime, anywhere, never missing anything and never getting bored – the digital world seems to have us firmly under its spell. From time to time, you should unplug, lean back and go offline. Nevertheless, the trend term “digital detox” is too hard and too one-sided.

“Where there is light, there is also shadow.” Don't worry, we won't be delving into the philosophy here or exploring Goethe in detail. But his quote about light and shadow fits really well with the trend theme “Digital Detox”. Although digitalization has many advantages, there are also a few aspects that many people definitely perceive as negative. And this may only become clear after a closer look. Perhaps because friends and family draw attention to it. 

Mobile phones, tablets and laptops are indispensable in the modern world of work. In the private sphere, too, smartphones in particular are now becoming the control center of our lives. No more appointments or to-do lists without the small pocket computer. This means we're guaranteed not to miss a thing, or does it? After all, some of us should ask ourselves whether we are aware of our very real surroundings or whether we are missing out on this part of life and whether being available anytime and anywhere, being well informed anytime and anywhere, really equates to being stress-free. 

Let’s deliberately put aside the physical strain caused by heavy and perhaps even excessive use of digital devices such as smartphones and tablets. The blue light and tension in the neck and shoulder area are some quick examples.

Finding the right dose 

We have already pointed out in many articles: In the digital world, too, it's the dose that's key. It’s not about doing without the digital conveniences completely. They shouldn't be demonized, which is why detox really sounds too harsh. Rather, it’s about slowing down, raising awareness and paying attention. Above all, it is important to be mindful of your own self. And don't be afraid of missing out.

Just relax and unwind from time to time
Just relax and unwind from time to time

The dose and balance of online and offline should be appropriate. It is not possible to provide a general rule here. This is extremely individual. Listen to your body and your mind. Perhaps even to friends and family when they ask for attention because you are constantly looking at your phone. Try to avoid multitasking for a certain period of time. Eat at the dining table, when watching a movie, actually pay attention to the movie. And even when you’re playing games with friends, you can relax without your mobile phone. Concentrate and enjoy one thing, instead of doing several things half-heartedly. It's not essential to have our finger in several pies at once. 

Why are we writing about it here on our beauty pages? It’s very simple: Skin, mind and brain are closely linked. Slowing down and avoiding stress can contribute to physical and mental health. Combined with mindful skincare, you will not only look healthy and fit, but also dazzling and radiant. 

Switching off is IN 

Our skin reacts to our feelings. Some emotional states are easy to read straight away: when we are ashamed, for example, we turn slightly red. Fear and shock have the opposite effect on many people, with all the color draining from their face. These examples describe more spontaneous, short-term reactions. However, there is also ample evidence that longer-term psychological conflict has a negative impact on the skin. Various studies have also shown over the years that psychological stress can disrupt the skin's barrier function and alter the skin's immune status. The stress you embrace in the digital world can play a major role in this.

If the digital everyday life is too stressful, it’s time to let your inner clock rest. The moment when you make yourself a priority. Give your brain breaks and phases of regeneration. Why not let yourself get bored once in a while? Let your soul relax? Meditation has also proven itself for thousands of years. Look forward to peace and calm. It will certainly do you and your brain good. 

If you find this too boring, but you still want to do something for your health: Try face yoga. Face yoga, or exercising facial muscles, is all about simultaneously strengthening, building up and stretching muscles and tissue, while relaxing the skin. Laughter is probably the most well-known discipline. As Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” And as laughter is known to be healthy: make sure you practice. And forget likes, e-mails, news and shitstorms in your mobile phone’s digital universe for a few moments. Switching off is IN.

Does stress get under your skin? 

Our reactions to stress are triggered in the brain. Among other things, it causes the adrenal glands to release various hormones, including the well-known stress hormone cortisol. Stress hormones have a direct impact on the skin.

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