logo
What Is Digital Fasting? Solution For New-Age Mental Health Issues

What Is Digital Fasting? Solution For New-Age Mental Health Issues

NDTV3 days ago

Quick Read
Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.
Digital fasting involves abstaining from technology to improve mental health.
Practicing digital fasting helps reduce distractions from social media and notifications.
Benefits include improved mental health, better sleep and increased productivity.
Do you doomscroll? Are you addicted to Instagram reels? Then the concept of digital fasting is for you. As intermittent fasting continues to gain popularity worldwide among health enthusiasts, people are also exploring the idea of digital fasting to improve their mental health, as #DigitalFasting was trending on X with people talking about the need to pause and take a break.
How to practice digital fasting?
Digital fasting, also known as digital detox, includes abstaining from using digital devices and technology for a certain period of time.
While practising digital fasting, people avoid social media platforms to reduce distractions and comparisons. They also limit screen time on digital devices, such as phones, tablets or computers. Usually, people turn off notifications on their mobile phones to minimise distractions and interruptions.
What are the benefits of digital fasting?
A majority of people nowadays have a mobile phone in their hands with a good internet connection. They spend a huge amount of time scrolling reels on social media - consuming almost everything they get online. Social media provides a good platform to connect with others, but people often waste their time and end up getting anxious about it. However, having control over it can offer various benefits.
Improved Mental Health: Avoiding unnecessary use of social media can reduce stress and anxiety.
Better Sleep: People will be able to sleep on time if there is less exposure to screens before bedtime.
Increased Productivity: Less wastage of time will lead to more time for focused work and activities.
How often should you practice digital fasting?
Some people choose to digital fast on a regular basis, for example, they set aside device-free time every day for some hours. Meanwhile, some people prefer to digital fast periodically as they take breaks from technology for a day, a weekend or longer.
Impact of excessive screen time on the young generation
Diana Quadros, a Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Mumbai, told NDTV, "As a psychologist, I've seen firsthand the devastating impact of excessive digital device use on mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to feelings of loneliness, decreased self-esteem and a sense of disconnection from the world around us."
"Our children are especially vulnerable, with excessive screen time linked to delayed cognitive development and increased risk of ADHD. It's time for us to take a step back, reassess our relationship with technology, and prioritise our well-being," Quadro added.
A study published by the US government in 2023 highlighted that heavy reliance on screen media has raised serious public health concerns among children as young as two to three years old because it might harm their cognitive, linguistic and social-emotional growth.
The study titled, 'Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management', was published in the National Library of Medicine.
The study noted that new technologies are now ingrained in a young child's daily life, with children nowadays becoming "digital natives" as they are born into an ecosystem that is augmented by mobile media, which keeps changing every minute.
The study highlighted that social media and screen technology can improve education and learning; however, "too much time spent in front of a screen and multitasking with other media has been related to worse executive functioning and academic performance".

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

This Plant-Based Meat Alternative Is Healthy And Hydrating, Celebrity Nutritionist Explains
This Plant-Based Meat Alternative Is Healthy And Hydrating, Celebrity Nutritionist Explains

NDTV

time3 hours ago

  • NDTV

This Plant-Based Meat Alternative Is Healthy And Hydrating, Celebrity Nutritionist Explains

Jackfruit is becoming a favourite in wellness food trends. A common food in India and other South Asian countries, the chewy fruit is now increasingly becoming a go-to plant-based meat alternative in the West. The world is recognising the health benefits of jackfruit. It is high in fibre, beta-carotene, and manganese, as well as has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, anti-fungal, antineoplastic and more healthy properties, as shared in The Harvard Gazette. Nutritionist Ryan Fernando, who has given diet consultations to celebrities like Shahid Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, explains the benefits of this fruit in the latest Instagram video, along with explaining who should avoid it and the best ways to consume this fruit. Hydrating And Cooling Properties Jackfruits are packed with water, fibre and potassium - three things our body craves when the heat hits, explains the nutritionist. It keeps us hydrated, supports digestion, and naturally cools the body. Summer is a good time to include jackfruit in your diet. Raw jackfruit has a low glycemic index (low GI) when eaten in moderation. Low-GI foods are digested and absorbed slowly, leading to a slower and smaller rise in blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that a low GI diet may result in weight loss and lower risk of heart disease. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ryan Fernando (@ryan_nutrition_coach) Everyone's Eating Jackfruit, But Should You? While jackfruit has several health benefits, it may not be for everyone. Nutritionist Fernando cautions that if you're diabetic, you should check with your doctor first before including jackfruit in your diet. If you have kidney issues or are on a low-potassium diet, jackfruit might not be the best choice. How Much Jackfruit Should We Eat The health expert advises sticking to one cup of jackfruit a day. Excessive jackfruit consumption may spike your sugar levels. Toss it in your salad, smoothies or snack on it fresh but skip frying. Eat it in the morning or at lunch for the best possible digestion. Here Are 5 Healthy Jackfruit Recipes You Can Try: 1. Jackfruit Salad Dice raw jackfruit and toss it with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and a pinch of chaat masala. Add some roasted peanuts for crunch and garnish with coriander. This hydrating salad is refreshing, light, and perfect for summer snacking. 2. Jackfruit Smoothie Blend ripe jackfruit pieces with chilled yoghurt, some milk, honey, and cardamom powder. This creamy smoothie is a great breakfast drink, packed with nutrients and natural sweetness. You can also blend in some oats for extra fibre. 3. Jackfruit Flour Dry jackfruit seeds in the sun and grind them to make gluten-free flour. Mix some of this nutritious flour with your wheat flour to make chapatis or mix in with dosa batter. It's a healthy alternative to refined flour, rich in protein and B vitamins. 4. Jackfruit Strips Cut ripe jackfruit into thin strips and dry them in the sun or oven. These chewy, subtly sweet strips make a tasty snack that has a similar taste to mango. Sprinkle a pinch of salt or chaat masala for a tangy twist. 5. Jackfruit Paniyarams Mix jackfruit pulp with ragi four, grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom powder, and salt. Pour the batter into a paniyaram pan and cook until golden brown. These mini dumplings are crisp outside and soft inside - a great breakfast or tea-time snack. When was the last time you ate a jackfruit? Try these healthy recipes and eat jackfruit in moderation, as advised by nutritionist Fernando.

Bihar "Gynaecologist" Performs C-Section Without Safety Protocols, Video Sparks Outrage
Bihar "Gynaecologist" Performs C-Section Without Safety Protocols, Video Sparks Outrage

NDTV

time9 hours ago

  • NDTV

Bihar "Gynaecologist" Performs C-Section Without Safety Protocols, Video Sparks Outrage

A viral video of an Ayurvedic practitioner in Bihar allegedly performing a caesarean section under unsafe conditions has sparked outrage online. The clip was shared on X by a user named 'THE SKIN DOCTOR'. It shows Kanchan Kumari, an Ayurvedic practitioner from Siwan, Bihar, performing a C-section in what appears to be a makeshift operating room, with no adherence to basic hygiene protocols. It also shows a few people, including Kumari's relative, standing nearby in regular clothes, while she operates without a mask, surgical cap or sterilised equipment. Sharing the video, the X user condemned the incident. "A 'gynaecologist' who can't even spell the word correctly is performing a C-section in what looks like a storage room, with zero infection control. Her family member is casually filming a reel while the surgery is underway. She is not wearing a mask and surgical cap. The room is crowded with people in regular clothes, including the patient's relatives, who are standing around and watching the procedure like it's a live show, without scrubs, masks, or gloves. Probably no anaesthetist either," the caption of the post read. A gynecologist, who can't even spell the word "gynecologist" correctly, is performing a C-section in what appears to be a storage room, with zero regard for universal safety protocols or infection control. Her family member is casually filming a reel while the surgery is… — THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) June 8, 2025 Further, the X user revealed the identity of the practitioner. "She is Kanchan Kumari from Siwan, an Ayurvedic practitioner. Given how frequently the govt changes healthcare policies, I'm not sure whether she's qualified or trained to perform this procedure, but judging by her methods, she is certainly liable for criminal negligence," he wrote. The X user also shared a screenshot of Kumari's Instagram handle, the bio of which reads, "gynecologist and obstetrics". The video has triggered massive outrage online, with many users demanding immediate action. "why is she still practising ? she must be in jail for harming patients and the unborn child," wrote one user. "Absolutely horrifying. This isn't a clinic, it's a crime scene in the name of healthcare. Arrest her," commented another. "It feels like they're partying and cooking in the kitchen. It's criminal conduct by the doctor and the patient's family," said a third user. "This situation is deeply alarming and highlights a severe breach of medical ethics and safety standards. Performing a C-section without proper sterilization, PPE, and in an inappropriate setting endangers the patient's life. Filming during surgery shows blatant disrespect and irresponsibility. If Kanchan Kumari lacks proper qualifications and is practicing such negligent behavior, strict legal action must be taken immediately to protect patients and uphold healthcare integrity," another user commented. "The reported actions of Kanchan Kumari, performing a C-section in an unsterile storage room without proper medical safeguards, are deeply alarming. If accurate, this reflects a serious breach of medical ethics and patient safety.. This demands immediate investigation and accountability under medical law to protect public health and trust," remarked one user.

Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, Julianne Hough painful experience with ovarian cysts; here's all you need to know
Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, Julianne Hough painful experience with ovarian cysts; here's all you need to know

Hindustan Times

time11 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, Julianne Hough painful experience with ovarian cysts; here's all you need to know

Model and entrepreneur Hailey Rhode Bieber had taken to her Instagram Stories to get vulnerable with her followers and share a health update. Lounging on the couch with an unamused expression and wearing a star pimple patch, she wrote, 'Currently have 2 ovarian cysts! If you deal with ovarian cysts I'm right there with ya (sic)!' However, she isn't the only female celebrity that has spoken up about facing this issue. Recently, dancer Julianne Hough also took to Instagram to share a deeply personal experience as she celebrated her 20th year on Dancing With the Stars. 'I was 18 when I joined the show,' Julianne wrote, adding, "Fresh out of Utah with $2000 in my pocket after training in London my whole childhood totally unsure of what was ahead. Who would've thought… I ended up winning my first two seasons, had a cyst burst on live TV (yep, that happened).' A post shared by Julianne Hough (@juleshough) 'Ovarian cysts are more common than you might think. However, in most cases, they are harmless. These cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the surface of or inside the ovaries and are detected in women who are of reproductive age,' explains Dr Swatee Dilip Gaggare, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital, Pune. Many women may not even know they have a cyst, as they often come and go without causing any issues. Some of the common symptoms can include bloating and menstrual irregularities, along with a sudden, sharp pain, nausea, and vomiting. Recently, even singer Miley Cyrus opened up about her experience with ovarian cysts that ruptured during she she was hosting Miley's New Year's Eve Party on NBC in 2023. During a recent appearance on The Zane Lowe Interview Series, she said, 'I had a pretty traumatic experience when I was doing my New Year's show. I had a medical emergency. I had an ovarian cyst rupture.' The Grammy winner continued with the live programme, performing alongside godmother, singer Dolly Parton and other musicans like Sia and Paris Hilton. Dr Vaishali Joshi, Senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, shares, 'Usually, young women in the peak of their reproductive career, between 20 to 30 years of age, have a higher chance of developing ovarian cysts as the ovulation cycle happens consistently every month. However, women after they turn 50 years and after menopause, are more prone to developing cancerous cysts.' There are a few reasons an ovarian cyst can form: Dr Usha Bohra, Senior Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad, says, 'The treatment depends on three factors — size, type, and symptoms. One can undertake lifestyle modifications or medication. Surgery is done only if necessary.' Some of the lifestyle changes include adopting a balanced and nutritious diet, restricting junk food and dairy products, maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store