Data from the “Digital 2025” report by Meltwater and We Are Social showed there are 97.5 million internet users in the Philippines as of January 2025, while on average, Filipinos spend eight hours and 52 minutes daily on the internet, significantly higher than the global average of six hours and 38 minutes.
READ: Pinoys remain among world’s most internet-savvy users — 2025 report
In this Digital Era, it’s inevitable that people not only access social media but also use their mobile phones and smart devices to handle everyday tasks like paying for groceries and transportation fares. The real question now is: can we still disconnect?
This suggests that disconnecting from smart devices has become a conscious choice people must now make.
Back in 2021, the National Library of Medicine study showed that excessive smartphone usage among adolescents and young adults can lead to health concerns like sleep problems, reduced physical fitness, body pain, and migraines.
Today, more studies are being conducted on the correlation between smartphone usage and people’s health, and the results are not looking good.
So, how can disconnecting from your smart devices benefit you? Here are some ways it can improve your well-being.
1. Focus time
Our smart devices offer a lot, from sending messages and organizing calendars to providing entertainment through social media and streaming apps. However, all these functions can become overwhelming, making it hard to focus on just one thing.
Taking a break can do wonders. Consider putting your smartphone away for 30 minutes to an hour. Look out the window or close your eyes for some deep breaths. This short pause not only gives your eyes a much-needed rest, but also allows your mind to reset and refocus on your priorities for the day.
2. Avoid miscommunications
Smart devices are essential nowadays, especially for families living apart. While this helps in staying connected, it can sometimes cause misunderstandings due to misinterpretation of messages.
It goes back to having that focus when communicating with someone and not being distracted by different apps or the various posts on social media. If meeting in person is not possible, it will not hurt to allot a few minutes or an hour to catch up with your family, friends, and loved ones without distraction.
Turn off the notifications of your other apps and jump on a video call with that person you haven’t
spoken to for a while, and you’ll see the difference it can make.
3. Maintain well-being
Since people are often on their smart devices, they are either seated at their work desk or lying down on the bed while doom-scrolling. These may seem harmless at first, but you would eventually notice your poor posture, pains here and there, and a steady increase in the eyeglass lenses’ grade.
You shouldn’t do drastic physical activities. A few minutes of walking around your neighborhood, with your smart device left at home or kept in your pocket, can be very beneficial for your health and well-being.
Aside from improving blood circulation and stretching your muscles, taking a break from screens gives your mind a much-needed pause from the chaos of the digital world, allowing you to fully experience your surroundings.
And who would’ve thought that a one-stop spot for disconnecting and reconnecting exists? Surge Fitness + Lifestyle is a place that understands the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle while helping you stay productive
They have a growing number of clubs in the country, with their latest club opening at the Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City. Some of this branch’s features include a cafe, several sporting corners like a Pickleball Court and a DOJO, and a co-working space.
Surge Gateway Club officially opens on May 16, Friday.
