The Christmas holidays are synonymous with both joy and family time as well as packed schedules, last-minute shopping, and hyperconnectivity that can trigger stress. In response, conscious use of technology can become the perfect ally to regain balance and reduce stress.
Christmas is a time of joy, colorful lights, wish lists, family dinners… and, for some, also seasonal stress. Packed schedules, crowded streets, last-minute shopping, and digital hyperconnectivity can trigger stress in anyone, turning some people into the Grinch of the season. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 Spaniards admit to experiencing stress during this time, and 1 in 4 say their mental health is affected as a result of this stress, according to data from Sigma Dos.
In light of this, the holidays and festive days of this season can be a good time to put aside the phone and screens and give the mind and body a break, and more and more people are choosing digital disconnection as a tool to regain balance and enjoy all the end-of-year celebrations. Data from the ‘SPCial Generation Study on digital disconnection habits of young Spaniards’ by SPC indicate that more than half of young people (56.5%) admit to having considered doing a digital detox, and 6 out of 10 say they know someone who has already done it. This represents a mindset shift among young people where digital well-being is becoming a growing trend to practice during this time.
In this context, SPC, a Spanish consumer technology brand, proposes an alternative approach. Far from being an obstacle, conscious use of technology with family can also help disconnect and reduce Christmas stress. Digital disconnection does not mean completely giving up technology, but using it consciously to set aside what overwhelms us and reconnect with what truly matters. This is easier than it may seem by following some tips that will help us stay calmer even in moments when we feel like we’re running out of battery:
· Plan connection times to disconnect the rest of the time: to be able to disconnect, it is important to define the times when you will be connected and concentrate in this time all that requires the use of technology and cannot wait for another moment. A state of permanent connection contributes to increasing stress as much as forgetting your Secret Santa gift or being invited to another Christmas meal.
· Give yourself screen-free moments: dinners with loved ones, family games, walks to see the Christmas lights in our city… these are occasions to step away from screens and enjoy the special moments this time of year offers. This Christmas, your best gift could be some time with the screen off to connect with your loved ones.
· Basic phones for those who want to disconnect until the New Year: so-called dumbphones are gaining popularity because they reduce distractions and offer only the essential functions any phone needs: calls and SMS messages. In this way, they are a great ally for people seeking a break from hyperconnectivity without losing contact with their family and loved ones.
· Video calls that connect us even with those who cannot come home for Christmas: video calls, as well as other communication tools like family chats or sending photos and videos, strengthen emotional bonds and reduce feelings of isolation. Personal relationships directly impact happiness and longevity, and technology acts as a catalyst for connection from the oldest to the youngest.
That is why it is important that even those less accustomed to using technological devices, such as our older family members, can have an easy-to-use phone that allows them to feel close to their loved ones and always stay connected during this important time. Now, apps like SPC Care, which allow a family member to remotely configure the senior’s phone by adjusting the volume if they have trouble hearing, increasing the font size if they have difficulty reading, or managing contacts without compromising their independence, make it easier to stay close despite barriers because it also sends family members the senior’s location and safety alerts if the battery is low or if the emergency SOS button has been pressed.
· GPS to keep track of the little ones even during the bustling Three Kings Parades: smart devices designed with the youngest in mind, such as 4G kids’ smartwatches include GPS location and the option to set safe zones to receive an alert on your phone if they leave that area. Other features of these smartwatches include calls to authorized contacts or an SOS button to request help instantly. This way, we can be calm knowing they are enjoying themselves without the larger crowds increasing our stress.
Disconnecting at Christmas does not mean completely stepping away from technology, but using it in a balanced way. Setting our limits and taking advantage of tools that help us stay connected to what truly matters are very important to reduce stress during this time of year, improve well-being, and enjoy the holidays with our loved ones.
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